French police have detained 780 people after violent clashes broke out in Paris and other French cities on Saturday night, following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Arsenal.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 57 officers were injured, most of them lightly, as football fans set fires and vandalized shops. One small group even tried to storm a police station in Paris.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Nuñez said the situation was largely under control. “Most of the celebrations took place peacefully” across the capital, he noted, adding that most incidents occurred near the Champs-Élysées and close to the Parc des Princes stadium in western Paris, where fans had gathered to watch the match.
Police also intervened five times overnight to stop people from blocking traffic on the main ring road around Paris, he said.
Nuñez reported incidents in around 15 cities across France, with “one or two” shops vandalized outside Paris. In total, 780 people were detained, including 480 in the Paris area alone.
The Paris prosecutor’s office said 277 people had been formally placed in police custody, including 82 minors, on charges such as assaulting police officers, theft, vandalism, and disturbing public order.
One serious accident occurred when a driver lost control of a car that crashed into a restaurant terrace, leaving two people injured, one seriously, Nuñez said.
Despite the unrest, Nuñez confirmed that planned celebrations for the team’s win on Sunday afternoon at the Champ de Mars, near the Eiffel Tower, would go ahead as scheduled. The PSG team will then be hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
Footage aired on news channel BFM showed brief clashes around PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium in western Paris, where more than 40,000 people watched the club win its second consecutive title on penalties at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on giant screens.
By 11pm (10pm UK time), police had already made over 130 arrests, Paris police said.
According to reports in France, some PSG fans fired fireworks at police officers, who responded with teargas during the celebrations. Others were seen wearing T-shirts reading “FU*K ARSENAL 2026” while standing next to burning Lime bikes on the city’s streets.
Smoke rose from several areas during the clashes. Police were seen sprinting after groups of fans in riot gear and stamping out flares left on the road.
France had deployed 22,000 police to maintain order in the capital. Last year, two people died and nearly 200 were injured after PSG won the Champions League for the first time by beating Inter Milan.
The Champs-Élysées, which authorities had partially cordoned off, was filling with mostly peaceful PSG fans, TV footage showed. Police estimated the crowd at 20,000. Some supporters set off fireworks and lit flares.
The Paris police prefecture said smaller groups caused disturbances in various locations, vandalizing shops and setting fires. Cars were also set ablaze. Those who tried to storm a police station in the upscale 8th arrondissement were dispersed, police said.
Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the French police arresting 780 people after violent clashes during PSG fans Champions League celebrations
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 Why did the police arrest so many people
Police arrested people for violent clashes vandalism and setting fires during the PSG fan celebrations
2 What happened during the celebrations
Some fans turned violent fighting with police smashing shop windows and setting cars on fire
3 How many people were arrested
French police arrested 780 people
4 Was anyone hurt
Yes several police officers and fans were injured during the clashes
5 Did the police use tear gas
Yes police used tear gas and water cannons to control the crowds
AdvancedLevel Questions
6 Why did the celebrations turn violent
While many fans celebrated peacefully a minority of troublemakers used the event as an excuse for rioting and looting
7 Where did these arrests mostly happen
Most arrests occurred near the Parc des Princes stadium and in central Paris especially around the ChampsÉlysées
8 What charges are the arrested people facing
Charges include public disorder assaulting police vandalism and setting fires
9 How does this compare to previous PSG celebrations
This was one of the largest crackdowns ever with a record number of arrests compared to past title celebrations
10 What did the police do differently this time
Police deployed a massive force of over 2000 officers and used stricter crowd control tactics including early use of water cannons and mass arrests
Common Problems Practical Tips
11 Why cant fans just celebrate peacefully
Most did but a small group of ultras or hooligans often use events to cause trouble leading to police overreaction and arrests of innocent bystanders
12 If Im a fan how can I avoid getting arrested
Stay away from known trouble spots avoid large crowds near the stadium dont wear team colors if tensions are high and leave immediately if violence starts
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