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PARIS Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph over Arsenal has been overshadowed by widespread unrest across France, with authorities confirming more than 400 arrests following violent clashes between football supporters and police in Paris and other urban centres.
BBC reported on Sunda that French authorities deployed thousands of police officers in anticipation of disorder, but celebrations quickly escalated into confrontation, disrupting transport networks including buses, trains and rail services in the capital.
In central Paris, fireworks and flares were ignited as crowds gathered to mark PSG’s victory, while police used tear gas in an attempt to disperse large groups of supporters. Several officers were injured during the disturbances.
Footage from the city showed burning electric bikes, damaged shopfronts and crowds of revellers moving through the Champs-Élysées, which was inundated with fans shortly after PSG secured victory in a penalty shootout.
Earlier in the day, tensions had already begun to rise as supporters gathered at Parc des Princes to watch the final on large screens, with clashes reported between police and fans in the surrounding area.
The French interior ministry said 416 people were arrested in the early hours of Sunday, including 280 in Paris alone. Authorities also confirmed damage to six vehicles, two businesses and a bus shelter during the unrest.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the violence as “absolutely unacceptable”, highlighting the scale of disorder despite heavy security preparations.
Political reactions quickly followed, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticising the situation in a post on X, writing: “Only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots.”
She added: “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,” reflecting growing concern over recurring public disorder linked to major sporting events.
The unrest comes despite PSG’s historic success in the competition, with the club securing consecutive triumphs in European football. However, celebrations have been repeatedly marred by violence, with last year’s victory also resulting in deadly clashes that claimed two lives, including that of a 17-year-old.
In the aftermath of this year’s final, PSG players are scheduled to take part in a victory parade in Paris on Sunday afternoon, including a procession near the Champ-de-Mars beside the Eiffel Tower and a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The latest violence has once again raised questions over public order policing during major sporting celebrations in France, as authorities seek to balance mass public gatherings with the risk of recurring unrest. - May 31, 2026
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