PSG Fans Celebrate Champions League Victory Amid Clashes

A jubilant Parisian crowd gathered at the Eiffel Tower on Sunday to celebrate Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) second Champions League title. Despite the festive atmosphere, the victory was overshadowed by overnight violence leading to numerous arrests across France.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that 780 individuals were detained, with 57 officers injured. These incidents mostly entailed fires and vandalism, particularly in the Champs Elysees area and near the Parc des Princes stadium.

Saturday night’s celebrations began in Paris after PSG’s victory over Arsenal in a penalty shootout in Budapest, Hungary. Around 20,000 fans filled the Champs-Elysees, setting off flares and sounding car horns.

Official celebrations continued at Champ de Mars, under heightened security. Up to 100,000 fans gathered as PSG players, led by captain Marquinhos, coach Luis Enrique, and club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, returned from Budapest to cheers and applause.

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted the team at the Elysee presidential palace, condemning the violence. He stated, “This is not soccer, this is not sport. We will be uncompromising with those who have been caught.”

Nuñez reported disturbances in 15 cities, with significant police interventions to prevent traffic disruptions on Paris’ main ring road. A car accident resulted in injuries when a vehicle plowed into a restaurant terrace.

The Paris prosecutors’ office confirmed 306 individuals, including 81 minors, were taken into custody. Charges varied from assault on officers to theft and vandalism. Around 40 police officers suffered injuries during the unrest.

The Paris police prefecture noted smaller groups caused disruptions, vandalizing shops and setting fires. Some attempted to storm a police station in the 8th Arrondissement.

Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire acknowledged the mostly peaceful celebrations while denouncing the violent acts. Following PSG’s first title win in May 2025, similar disturbances resulted in 201 injuries and over 500 arrests nationwide.