France detains hundreds after unrest following PSG's Champions League triumph

Sunday 31 May 2026 - 09:00

France witnessed widespread disturbances following Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph, as celebrations in several cities were overshadowed by incidents of violence, vandalism, and clashes with law enforcement authorities.

According to official figures, hundreds of people were taken into custody across the country after large crowds gathered to celebrate PSG's historic European success. The highest number of arrests occurred in the Paris metropolitan area, where authorities faced significant challenges in maintaining public order.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that security services had anticipated potential disturbances and deployed a large police presence nationwide. Despite these precautions, confrontations were reported in numerous cities, resulting in injuries among police officers and damage to public and private property.

In Paris, thousands of supporters gathered around major landmarks and public avenues after the final whistle. While many fans celebrated peacefully, some groups engaged in acts of vandalism, set vehicles on fire, erected barricades, and threw projectiles at security forces. Police responded with crowd-control measures, including the use of tear gas in certain areas.

Images and videos shared online showed scenes of burning vehicles, damaged infrastructure, and fireworks being launched in crowded areas. Emergency services and law enforcement remained on high alert throughout the night.

The events have reignited discussions in France about public safety during major sporting celebrations. Authorities emphasized that while football victories are moments of national excitement, violent behavior and destruction of property cannot be tolerated.

Security forces continue to assess the damage and investigate the incidents as the country reflects on both PSG's sporting achievement and the challenges that accompanied the celebrations.