French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that festive gatherings following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory quickly spiraled into chaos, with authorities making 416 arrests, including 283 in the greater Paris area. Speaking at a late-night press briefing, he condemned the unrest as ‘utterly unacceptable’.

Violent clashes erupted across Paris and several other French cities, resulting in seven police officers injured, one critically after suffering a skull fracture in Agen. Unrest spread to cities like Rennes, Strasbourg, Clermont-Ferrand, and Grenoble, where looting and vandalism were reported.

security crackdown and citywide disturbances

In Reims, Mayor Arnaud Robinet reported ‘a handful of arrests’ in a brief social media update. Meanwhile, Paris police disclosed the seizure of 24 torches and over 100 fireworks from unruly crowds. Six vehicles and two businesses—including a bakery and a restaurant near Porte de Saint-Cloud—were vandalized.

Near the Champs-Élysées, where 4,000 to 5,000 fans had gathered during the match, additional crowds swelled after the final whistle. Authorities described attempts to block major roads, which were swiftly dispersed. Projectiles were thrown at police, prompting tear gas deployment.

In the 8th arrondissement, a group targeted a police station before being dispersed by law enforcement. A separate incident saw a knife attack in Barbès, injuring one person, while a heavily intoxicated man fell into the Seine in the 5th arrondissement.

clashes outside Parc des Princes

Near the Parc des Princes, around 150 individuals attempted to force entry into the stadium but were repelled by a rapid police response. Later, clashes flared near Porte de Saint-Cloud, where fireworks were launched at officers, who retaliated with tear gas. Prefectural authorities emphasized their ‘meticulous preparation’ for the Champions League final and simultaneous events like rugby matches, tennis at Roland-Garros, and concerts by Aya Nakamura and Damso.

transportation paralysis

With 22,000 police and gendarmes deployed—8,000 in Paris and its suburbs—authorities aimed to ensure a ‘safe, orderly celebration’. Public transport ground to a halt as authorities suspended multiple lines to protect passengers and drivers. Last year, 5,400 officers secured the city, leading to 563 arrests and 307 detentions in Paris alone.

On Sunday afternoon, PSG players will parade through the Champs-de-Mars, expected to draw nearly 100,000 fans, before meeting President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.