News Focus
- Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal to win the Champions League trophy
- French police arrested 416 people during violent celebrations across the country
- Rioters set cars on fire and damaged shops in the French capital
- Seven police officers suffered injuries while controlling the crowds
- The club plans an official celebration at Champ de Mars on Sunday
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph has been overshadowed by widespread disorder across France. The French club beat Arsenal in the final on Saturday night. However, the victory celebrations turned violent in several cities.
Police detained 416 individuals throughout the night. Of these arrests, 283 took place in Paris and its surrounding areas. The French interior ministry confirmed these figures to local media outlets.
The violence erupted despite a heavy security presence. Authorities had deployed 22,000 officers across France before the match. In Paris alone, 8,000 police officers patrolled the streets.
Trouble began as thousands of fans gathered at famous landmarks. Nearly 20,000 supporters filled the Champs-Elysees avenue at one stage. Large crowds also formed near the Arc de Triomphe. Some fans set off flares and sounded car horns continuously.
Small groups caused serious damage in different parts of the city. They smashed windows of shops and set vehicles on fire. One group attempted to storm a police station in the wealthy 8th Arrondissement district. Officers managed to stop them and cleared the area.
Seven police officers suffered injuries during the clashes. Laurent Nunez, the interior minister, stated that one officer was badly hurt. The disturbances had been expected, he added.
By 10pm local time, police had arrested 45 people. Groups also blocked main roads around the capital for short periods. Officers removed barricades made from bicycles near PSG’s home ground. A bakery and a restaurant sustained damage during the chaos.
This is not the first time PSG celebrations have led to trouble. Last year, over 500 arrests occurred across France after their previous Champions League title. More than 200 people suffered injuries during those disturbances.
The football club has urged fans to celebrate responsibly. They released a statement asking supporters to show pride and respect.
PSG now plans official events to mark their success. The team won both the Champions League and the Ligue 1 title this season. On Sunday afternoon, players will appear at Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower. Between 85,000 and 90,000 fans can attend this event. Later, French President Emmanuel Macron will welcome the squad at the Elysee Palace. The day will end with a party at Parc des Princes stadium.