Hundreds arrested and dozens of police injured after Champions League riots in France
France experienced rioting after Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League win, with 219 injured (8 seriously), 57 police hurt, 780 arrested, and one fatality. Authorities deployed thousands of officers and plan 6,000 for a victory parade, vowing firm action against violence.
Hundreds of arrests and dozens of police injuries have been reported amid widespread rioting across France following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Champions League final victory over Arsenal. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that 219 people were injured in clashes between football fans and security forces, with eight in a serious condition. The unrest, which disrupted public transport in Paris, saw 57 police officers among those hurt. A further 780 people were detained, with more than 450 still in custody. Authorities also reported one fatality after rioters attempted to block the city’s ring road overnight, leading to a fatal accident.
Thousands of officers were deployed to restore order as celebrations turned violent, with disturbances reported in multiple cities. Bus, train, and rail services in Paris faced significant disruptions, compounding the challenges for law enforcement. In anticipation of further unrest, around 6,000 police have been mobilised for Sunday’s planned victory parade near the Eiffel Tower. The interior minister stressed that while France upholds the right to peaceful assembly, authorities would respond firmly to any acts of violence or disorder.
“We are a great country for maintaining public order,” Nuñez stated. “We allow freedom of assembly, but not excesses.” The government’s response underscores growing concerns over the escalation of fan violence at major sporting events, despite heightened security measures. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage and to identify those responsible for the most severe incidents.
The unrest follows a familiar pattern of post-match violence in European football, raising questions about the effectiveness of crowd control strategies. Authorities have warned that additional measures may be implemented to prevent further disturbances. As the situation develops, officials urge fans to celebrate responsibly and avoid actions that could endanger public safety. Further updates are expected as investigations progress.
