Over 400 Arrested in France Following PSG Champions League Victory

PARIS (AP) — In the aftermath of Paris Saint-Germain's thrilling Champions League victory, French authorities apprehended more than 400 individuals connected to violent confrontations that occurred in Paris and various cities across the country on Saturday night. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that seven police officers sustained injuries as fans engaged in acts of vandalism and set fires in celebration of their team's triumph.

Describing the unrest as “absolutely unacceptable,” Nuñez noted that disturbances were reported in roughly 15 cities, with nearly 400 arrests made, including around 300 in the capital. Despite the chaos, the planned festivities for PSG's victory at Champ de Mars, adjacent to the Eiffel Tower, will proceed as intended. The squad is set to be welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee palace following the celebrations.

The excitement began in Paris after PSG secured their win against Arsenal in a tense penalty shootout during the final held in Budapest. Fans took to the streets, marching near the iconic Arc de Triomphe, where flares were ignited and car horns sounded in jubilation. Approximately 20,000 supporters gathered on the Champs-Elysees, prompting police to manage the large crowd.

Authorities reported that smaller groups within the larger celebration caused disturbances, including vandalism and arson. In one incident, a group attempted to breach a police station in the upscale 8th Arrondissement but was swiftly dispersed by law enforcement. This is not the first time PSG celebrations have led to unrest; following their previous title win in May, over 500 arrests were made and 201 individuals were injured in Paris.