Clashes between football fans and security forces across France led to the arrest of 416 people following Paris Saint-Germain’s, PSG, UEFA Champions League triumph over Arsenal.
Thousands of police officers were deployed across Paris and other parts of the country to contain unrest that disrupted road, rail and bus services in the French capital.
Celebrations erupted after PSG secured victory in a penalty shootout, but parts of the festivities descended into violence, with fireworks and flares set off in several locations.
Police were forced to deploy tear gas to disperse crowds in parts of central Paris as some supporters clashed with security personnel.
Authorities said several police officers were injured during the disturbances.
Paris’s iconic Champs-Élysées was flooded with jubilant fans shortly after the final whistle, with videos circulating on social media showing flares being ignited, electric motorcycles set ablaze and damage to commercial properties.
Earlier, clashes were reported around PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium, where supporters had gathered to watch the match on giant screens.
French police said six vehicles, two businesses and a bus shelter were damaged during the unrest.
According to official figures, 416 people were arrested in the early hours of Sunday, including 280 in Paris.
France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, said seven police officers sustained injuries during the disturbances and described the violence as “absolutely unacceptable.”
Despite the incidents, Nuñez said authorities had put in place a “very robust” security arrangement to prevent a repeat of the more serious disorder that followed PSG’s previous European success.
Reacting to the unrest, far-right political leader Marine Le Pen criticized the violence, writing on social media that it was unacceptable for a football victory to trigger riots.
Meanwhile, PSG players are expected to take part in a victory parade in Paris on Sunday, including celebrations around the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower and a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The celebrations follow PSG’s historic Champions League triumph over Arsenal F.C., securing the club’s first European crown and sparking widespread celebrations among supporters across France.
BBC
The post 416 arrested in France after PSG’s Champions League victory celebrations turn violent appeared first on Vanguard News.