French police arrested 416 people nationwide, including more than 280 in Paris, after celebrations for Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory turned violent on Saturday night. The unrest broke out following PSG’s penalty shoot-out win over Arsenal, injuring seven police officers and forcing the deployment of tear gas to disperse crowds.
Thousands of supporters gathered across the city to celebrate the title. While most celebrations remained peaceful, clashes erupted between fans and security forces near the Arc de Triomphe and other central landmarks.
French authorities deployed tear gas to disperse violent groups and isolate rioters. The French Ministry of Interior reported 416 arrests nationwide, with 283 detentions occurring in Paris.
Seven officers were injured during the violence. Police spokesperson Laurent Nuñez described the level of aggression as “absolutely unacceptable.” Police focused on rapid containment to prevent the volatility from spreading into residential areas.
The unrest follows a pattern of urban volatility in France, where large-scale public gatherings often trigger clashes between security forces and demonstrators. The speed of escalation and the scale of the police response underscore the persistent fragility of public order during mass events in the capital.