Riots in various parts of France during celebrations by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans led to over 200 injuries and more than 800 arrests.
International news agencies reported on 31 May 2026 that clashes between football fans and police erupted across France after PSG defeated Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday, resulting in at least 219 injuries.
Thousands of police officers were deployed to quell unrest caused by fan celebrations in multiple areas, disrupting bus services, trains, and rail transit in Paris. The clashes left 57 police officers injured.
The expansive Champs-Élysées quickly filled with fans following PSG’s victory in a penalty shootout. Video footage showed fireworks, the burning of electric bicycles on the street, and groups of fans smashing shop windows, prompting police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Laurent Nuñez, France’s Interior Minister, revealed that among the injured, eight are in serious condition. So far, 780 people have been arrested related to the violence, with over 450 still in custody. Additionally, one person died in an accident on the Paris ring road, which rioters had attempted to blockade.
It remains unclear whether the 24-year-old male victim was involved in the riots. Some witnesses said he was riding a motorcycle before crashing into a concrete barrier. Another teenager is critically injured following a separate altercation elsewhere in Paris, though their connection to the riots is uncertain.
About 6,000 police officers were mobilized to maintain order during the victory parade that began at 6:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, which proceeded peacefully and joyfully.
Earlier, the Interior Minister stated that security forces would take "decisive" action in response to the violence.
"We are a great nation at maintaining public order. We allow freedom of assembly, but it must not be abused," he said.
"Most people came out to celebrate peacefully, and everything went well," Nuñez said. "However, there are groups not affiliated with PSG fans and who did not watch the match, deliberately causing disorder. We are here to prevent that, and our response will be firm."
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Source:bbc