By Kenneth Madaki
No fewer than 416 people were arrested across France after celebrations, following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Arsenal erupted into violence, leaving several police officers injured and causing damage to property in Paris and other cities.
The French Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title, following a 4-3 penalty shootout win in the final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary on Saturday night.
It only took Arsenal six minutes into the encounter to go ahead when Kai Havertz capitalised on a PSG slip to drive the ball into the box before firing home a shot into the roof of the net.
The Gunners immediately resorted to a defensive formation, keeping PSG at bay until the 65th minute when Ousmane Dembele scored from the penalty spot to make it 1-1 for the defending champions.
Thousands of supporters took to the streets after PSG secured the European title, gathering along the Champs-Élysées and around the Parc des Princes stadium.
While many fans celebrated peacefully, clashes broke out between some revellers and police as fireworks and flares lit up the night sky.
As reported by the BBC on Sunday, French authorities said 416 people were arrested nationwide, including 280 in Paris. Seven police officers were injured during the unrest, while several vehicles, businesses and public facilities were damaged.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the disturbances, describing the violence as “absolutely unacceptable.”
Police used tear gas in parts of central Paris to disperse crowds after some supporters vandalised property and confronted security forces.
The unrest drew criticism from political leaders, including far-right politician Marine Le Pen, who questioned why football victories continue to be accompanied by disorder.
“Only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots. Only in France does everyone feel compelled to lock themselves in their homes on the evening of a victory to avoid being confronted with violence,” Le Pen wrote on social media platform X.
The disturbances come a year after PSG’s previous European triumph, when celebrations were marred by deadly incidents that claimed two lives, including that of a 17-year-old boy.
Despite the violence, PSG’s official victory celebrations were set to continue on Sunday, with players scheduled to take part in a parade near the Eiffel Tower before attending a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.