Over 416 Arrested as Violence Erupts Across France After PSG’s Champions League Triumph

More than 416 people were arrested across France following violent clashes that broke out after supporters of French football champions Paris Saint-Germain celebrated the club’s UEFA Champions League victory.

According to France’s Interior Ministry, 283 of the arrests were made in Paris, although authorities have yet to disclose how many suspects remain in custody pending further investigations.

The French government deployed about 22,000 police officers nationwide for the final, including 8,000 in Paris, amid concerns over potential unrest. Security measures included the suspension of tram services, closure of several metro stations, and restrictions on bus operations in parts of the capital.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the violence as “absolutely unacceptable,” revealing that seven police officers were injured during the disturbances.

Authorities reported damage to six vehicles and two businesses, while groups of supporters briefly occupied Paris’ ring road, causing traffic disruptions and setting off flares.

As PSG secured victory in a penalty shootout in Budapest, an estimated 20,000 fans gathered along the famous Champs-Élysées in Paris to celebrate.

Businesses in the area had boarded up their premises ahead of the match to prevent a repeat of last year’s incidents, when widespread disorder led to shop looting and hundreds of arrests. Police said they seized around 100 fireworks and two dozen flares during Saturday’s operations.

Near PSG’s home ground, the Parc des Princes, a bakery and a restaurant were damaged. Thousands of supporters remained outside the stadium, with some throwing projectiles at security personnel.

Police also thwarted an attempt by about 150 people to force their way into the stadium and later dismantled a makeshift barricade constructed with rental bicycles.

Clashes between supporters and law enforcement intensified around the venue, prompting officers to deploy tear gas after fireworks were launched at police lines.

The unrest coincided with several major events in Paris, including concerts by French artists and ongoing matches at the French Open, adding to the security challenges faced by authorities.