PARIS — Police on Saturday detained nearly 300 people in Paris after violent clashes erupted when thousands poured onto the streets following the victory of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League final against Arsenal.
Some 22,000 police were deployed across France for the game, including 8,000 in Paris, after unrest marred PSG’s win in the competition last year. Paris tram lines were halted, several metro stations shut and bus traffic halted in places in a bid to minimize disturbances.
Fireworks and flares were set off, while several police officers were injured in the fray. Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds in the Paris city center.
According to the French interior ministry, 416 people were detained nationwide, including 283 who were apprehended in Paris. It was not immediately clear how many of these individuals were remanded in custody to face further investigation.
Interior minister Laurent Nunez said seven officers had been wounded and called the unrest “absolutely unacceptable.”
There was similar violence when PSG won the same trophy last year, with celebrations turning deadly. This time, the authorities were better prepared with a “very robust, very solid system in place”, according to Nuñez.
Paris’s iconic Champs-Élysées was swarmed by fans shortly after the French team won in a penalty shootout.
Footage from the city shows flares being set off, electric bikes burning on roads and revellers smashing the glass of at least one shopfront.
Earlier in the day there were clashes between police and supporters who showed up to watch the final on giant screens at PSG’s Parc des Princes.
Police said six vehicles, two businesses and a bus shelter were damaged during the unrest.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen wrote on X: “Only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots.”
“Only in France does everyone feel compelled to lock themselves in their homes on the evening of a victory to avoid being confronted with violence,” she said.
Players are due to take part in a victory parade on Sunday afternoon, which includes touring the Champ-de-Mars next to the Eiffel Tower and a reception held by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Source: Saudi Gazette