Paris police deployed thousands of officers and arrested more than 130 individuals after Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final victory over Arsenal on Saturday, as celebrations turned violent in parts of the French capital.
Clashes Erupt Near Stadium
Footage aired on news channel BFM showed tensions and brief skirmishes around PSG's Parc de Princes stadium in western Paris, where over 40,000 fans watched the club secure its second consecutive title on penalties at the Puskas Arena in Budapest via giant screens.
By 11pm local time (9pm BST), police had made more than 130 arrests, Paris police confirmed. A police spokesperson told Reuters that six vehicles and two storefronts had been damaged during the unrest.
Fireworks and Teargas
According to reports in France, some PSG supporters aimed fireworks at police officers, who responded with teargas. Witnesses saw fans wearing T-shirts emblazoned with “FU*K ARSENAL 2026” standing next to burning Lime Bikes on city streets. Smoke rose from several areas as clashes unfolded, and police in riot gear were seen sprinting after groups of fans, stamping out flares discarded on the road.
Security Measures and Context
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that a “very robust, very solid system” was in place to curb violence. A police spokesperson added, “Our responsibility is to guarantee everyone a festive celebration that is calm and fully secure.”
France deployed 22,000 police officers to maintain order in the capital. Last year, two people died and nearly 200 were injured after PSG won the Champions League for the first time by defeating Inter Milan.
Peaceful Celebrations Elsewhere
On the Champs-Élysées boulevard, which authorities had partially cordoned off, crowds of mostly peaceful PSG fans gathered. Police estimated the crowd at 20,000. Some supporters let off fireworks and lit flares, but no major incidents were reported there.
