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Hundreds arrested as PSG Champions League celebrations turn violent across France

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters clash with police during celebrations following the team's UEFA Champions League victory in Paris, France, May 30, 2026. (AA Photo)
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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters clash with police during celebrations following the team's UEFA Champions League victory in Paris, France, May 30, 2026. (AA Photo)
May 31, 2026 12:01 PM GMT+03:00

French authorities detained more than 400 people after Paris Saint-Germain's UEFA Champions League title celebrations turned violent in Paris and several other French cities, as large gatherings gave way to property damage, fires and clashes with police.

The unrest broke out late Saturday after PSG defeated Arsenal in the final in Budapest, securing the club's Champions League title following a penalty shootout.

While thousands of supporters took to the streets to celebrate, officials said groups of fans were involved in disturbances that spread beyond the French capital.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters clash with police during celebrations following the team's UEFA Champions League victory in Paris, France, May 30, 2026. (AA Photo)
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters clash with police during celebrations following the team's UEFA Champions League victory in Paris, France, May 30, 2026. (AA Photo)

Celebrations spill over into unrest in Paris

In Paris, large crowds gathered on the Champs-Elysees, the city's famous avenue often used for major national celebrations, and in other parts of the capital. Police moved in as incidents escalated and carried out arrests, while officials said fireworks and pyrotechnic devices were seized.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said 426 people had been arrested nationwide by early Sunday, including 238 in Paris. He also said seven police officers were injured, one of them seriously, in the southwestern city of Agen.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters clash with police during celebrations following the team's UEFA Champions League victory in Paris, France, May 30, 2026. (AA Photo)
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters clash with police during celebrations following the team's UEFA Champions League victory in Paris, France, May 30, 2026. (AA Photo)

Violence reported in cities across France

Authorities said unrest was reported in around 15 cities, including Rennes, Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble and Toulouse. The incidents included damage to businesses, vehicles and public property, as celebrations in some areas broke down into confrontations with law enforcement.

According to Le Monde, police in Toulouse responded after groups damaged storefronts and other property. Officers later used tear gas to disperse crowds and made arrests.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters clash with police during celebrations following the team's UEFA Champions League victory in Paris, France, May 30, 2026. (AA Photo)
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters clash with police during celebrations following the team's UEFA Champions League victory in Paris, France, May 30, 2026. (AA Photo)

PSG parade expected as Macron prepares to host team

Despite the unrest, authorities said a victory parade for PSG was expected to take place Sunday in Paris, with tens of thousands of supporters anticipated to attend. French President Emmanuel Macron was also scheduled to receive the team at the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the French presidency.

PSG retained the Champions League title on Saturday after beating Arsenal 4-3 in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw at Budapest's Puskas Arena.

May 31, 2026 12:01 PM GMT+03:00
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