Hundreds arrested as PSG celebrations turn violent
Paris: French authorities arrested hundreds of people overnight after celebrations of Paris Saint-Germain's UEFA Champions League triumph descended into violence in Paris and several other French cities.
Thousands of PSG supporters took to the streets on Saturday after the club retained its European crown by defeating Arsenal in the Champions League final in Budapest.
While many fans celebrated peacefully, authorities reported widespread disturbances, property damage, and clashes with police across the country.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said 426 people had been arrested nationwide by early Sunday, including 238 in Paris. Seven police officers were injured during the unrest, one of them seriously in the southwestern city of Agen.
Authorities reported incidents in around 15 cities, including Rennes, Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble, and Toulouse. The disturbances involved vandalism, damage to businesses and vehicles, and attacks on public property.
In the French capital, large crowds gathered along the Champs-Élysées and other popular locations to celebrate PSG's victory. Police carried out numerous arrests and seized fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices.
According to Le Monde, officers in Toulouse used tear gas to disperse groups accused of damaging storefronts and public infrastructure before making several arrests.
Despite the unrest, celebrations are set to continue on Sunday, with tens of thousands of supporters expected to attend a victory parade in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron is also scheduled to welcome the team to the Élysée Palace.
PSG secured the Champions League title after defeating Arsenal 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at Budapest's Puskás Aréna.
