Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Paris St Germain fans in Paris watch the Final - Parc des Princes, Paris, France - May 30, 2026 A Paris St Germain fan and police clash in the streets REUTERS/Abdul Saboor
The French capital witnessed tense scenes on Saturday evening as disturbances erupted in Paris following the Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal. Tensions flared around the Parc des Princes and key areas of the city, with authorities reporting multiple arrests and crowd-control measures.
Law enforcement officials confirmed the deployment of riot control units to restore order in several districts, including the Champs-Élysées and the vicinity of the stadium where the match was broadcast. The situation escalated as fans reacted to the outcome, leading to clashes with police.
Security measures and first arrests
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez conducted an on-site assessment of the security setup on the iconic avenue, emphasizing the robust measures implemented to prevent major disruptions. Despite these efforts, isolated incidents of vandalism and confrontations were reported.
Widespread disturbances across the city
Reports indicated that crowds gathered in frustration near the upper section of the Champs-Élysées, where some fans resorted to breaking street furniture, including a bus shelter. Tensions peaked in the sixteenth arrondissement after sporadic mortar fire was heard along Avenue Kléber, while masked groups brandishing iron bars were spotted in the eighteenth, though no immediate violence was recorded.
During the match’s second half, authorities were forced to deploy tear gas to disperse unruly crowds near Châtelet and around the Parc des Princes. These measures came after reports of unauthorized attempts by around 150 individuals to force entry into the stadium, which were swiftly contained by police.
Arrests and seizures reported
By 7:30 PM, authorities had conducted 1,579 identity checks, resulting in 64 fines. A total of 20 individuals were taken into custody, with ten placed in pre-trial detention. Among the items confiscated were 24 torches and two mortars, while a bus shelter on Avenue de la Boétie sustained damage. Projectiles were also hurled at police officers in the vicinity, where an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 spectators had congregated.
