Car set on fire as PSG supporters celebrate in Paris (AP Photo)

Celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Champions League victory turned into chaos across France, leaving one person dead, 219 injured and nearly 800 arrested, authorities said on Sunday.French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said 219 people were injured during clashes between football fans and police after PSG defeated Arsenal in the Champions League final. The condition of eight of the injured is said to be serious, while 57 police officers have also been injured.One person died in a road accident on Paris’ ring road during the unrest, when rioters reportedly attempted to block traffic, according to AFP.Nunez said 780 people were arrested across the country, while more than 450 remained in custody. The Paris prosecutors’ office later said 277 people were formally placed in police custody, including 82 minors, on charges ranging from assaulting police officers to theft, vandalism and disturbing public order.“The situation is largely under control,” Nunez told reporters.“Most celebrations took place peacefully across Paris”, he said, adding that most of the incidents were concentrated on the Champs-Élysées and near the Parc des Princes stadium, where thousands of people gathered to watch the match.

Fires, sabotage and clashes

Fans take to the streets after PSG’s victory in the final in Budapest, Hungary. Large crowds gathered around the Arc de Triomphe and along the Champs-Élysées, lighting fires and celebrating by blowing car horns.However, the celebrations soon turned violent in many areas. Police said small groups vandalized shops, set fire to dustbins, self-service bicycles and vehicles and attempted to block roads. Authorities also dispersed individuals who allegedly tried to attack a police station in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.In a separate incident, two people were injured when a driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the roof of a restaurant. One person suffered serious injuries.Authorities reported disturbances in about 15 cities across France, with one or two stores vandalized in several locations outside Paris.

heavy security deployment

Despite the unrest, officials confirmed that PSG’s victory parade and celebrations would continue on Sunday. About 6,000 police officers were deployed for security arrangements near the Eiffel Tower, where supporters were expected to gather for official team ceremonies.Núñez warned that police would respond to any further violence with “firmness and determination.” The PSG squad is also set to be welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.The violence followed similar scenes after PSG’s previous title celebrations. In May last year, 201 people were injured in Paris and more than 500 arrests were made across France following the club’s European success.