PSG clashes at Champions League celebrations in France; 416 detained, 7 police officers injured
More than 400 people were arrested across France and seven police officers were injured after celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League win turned violent, authorities said Sunday.Clashes between police and supporters following PSG’s victory in the Champions League final in Budapest led to 416 people detained across the country, including 283 in Paris, according to the French Interior Ministry.Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said that seven police officers were injured during the unrest and described the violence as “absolutely unacceptable”.Amid concerns of possible disturbances, French authorities deployed approximately 22,000 police officers across the country for the match, including 8,000 in Paris. Despite extensive security measures, including the closure of several metro stations, tram lines and bus routes, large crowds gathered across the capital.Police said about 20,000 supporters gathered on the Champs-Élysées after PSG’s dramatic penalty shootout win. Six vehicles and two businesses were damaged during the disturbance. A group of supporters also briefly blocked traffic on the Paris ring road, known as the perimeter, by setting off fires.Near PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium, where thousands watched the final on giant screens, clashes broke out after thousands gathered outside the venue. Police said about 150 people attempted to enter through one of the gates of the stadium, but were pushed back by officials.Officials also said that shells and fireworks were thrown at police near the stadium, prompting officers to respond with tear gas. A bakery and a restaurant in the area were damaged, while attempts to set up barricades using rental bicycles were quickly removed by police.Before the match, businesses on the Champs-Élysées closed their windows to avoid a repeat of the unrest that followed PSG’s Champions League success last year. Police seized about 100 fireworks and two dozen flares during Saturday night’s operation, while a bus shelter near the avenue was destroyed.The violence was criticized by far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who wrote on X that “Only in France does a football club win provoke riots.”Núñez defended the security arrangements, saying there were “very strong, very solid systems in place” to prevent violence.PSG players are expected to take part in a victory parade near the Eiffel Tower on Sunday, which is expected to be attended by around 100,000 supporters, before being welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.
