780 detained after violence erupted across France during Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League celebrations
French authorities detained 780 people after celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory turned violent in Paris and other cities across the country Saturday night.
Officials said 57 police officers were injured during the unrest, though most suffered minor injuries. Incidents included fires being set, shops being vandalized, vehicles being burned, and an attempted breach of a police station in Paris. Law enforcement reported that the situation was largely brought under control by Sunday.
While the majority of supporters celebrated peacefully, the most significant disturbances occurred around the Champs-Élysées and near Parc des Princes stadium, where thousands of fans had gathered to watch the match. Police also intervened several times overnight to prevent groups from blocking major roadways around the French capital.
Authorities said incidents were reported in approximately 15 cities nationwide. Of the 780 detentions, 480 occurred in the Paris region. Prosecutors placed 277 individuals in formal police custody, including 82 minors. Alleged offenses included assaults on police officers, vandalism, theft, and public disorder violations.
A serious traffic incident also occurred during the celebrations when a driver lost control of a vehicle and crashed into a restaurant terrace, injuring two people, one of them seriously.
The celebrations followed Paris Saint-Germain’s dramatic Champions League triumph over Arsenal in Budapest. As fans poured into the streets, thousands gathered near landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe and along the Champs-Élysées, waving flags, setting off flares, and sounding car horns.
Police reported that smaller groups engaged in destructive behavior throughout the night, damaging businesses, setting fire to trash piles and shared bicycles, and torching vehicles. Officers dispersed individuals who attempted to force their way into a police station in Paris’s 8th arrondissement.
Despite the unrest, authorities allowed planned victory celebrations to proceed Sunday near the Eiffel Tower, while warning that any additional violence would be met with a strong police response. The team was also scheduled to be honored by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
The disturbances recalled scenes from previous PSG title celebrations, which have also resulted in injuries and hundreds of arrests across France.
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