Paris is in chaos after PSG’s Champions League victory, with around 300 people arrested

Nearly 300 people were taken into custody when PSG supporters in Paris blew off fireworks and got into altercations with police, according to police.

After celebrations after Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) historic Champions League victory descended into violent altercations with police, hundreds of people were arrested in Paris overnight.

Following major rioting outside the Champs-Elysées and Parc des Princes stadium, where almost 50,000 fans had gathered to witness PSG’s 5-0 victory over Inter Milan on giant screens, French authorities said that nearly 300 people had been arrested.

Chaotic scenes broke out as some fans destroyed bus shelters, set cars on fire, and fired flares and pyrotechnics, while the majority of supporters celebrated the win by singing, dancing, and waving PSG flags. In an effort to break up hostile crowds and stop a rush toward the Arc de Triomphe, riot police had to use tear gas and water cannons.

Troublemakers “repeatedly came into contact with police by throwing large fireworks and other objects,” according to a statement from Paris police, who characterized the scenario as “deliberate disorder.” Videos posted on social media showed efforts to rob Chanel and Foot Locker, two businesses on the Champs-Elysées.

The violence was denounced by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who said, “True PSG supporters are enjoying their team’s magnificent match.” In the meantime, criminals and police provocations have been carried out by barbarians on Parisian streets.

PSG’s blue and red lights illuminated the Eiffel Tower in spite of the violence, and French President Emmanuel Macron, who supports Olympique de Marseille, celebrated the team’s historic victory by writing on X: “A beautiful day for PSG! We are all proud of you, Bravo. This evening, the European capital is Paris.

In preparation for post-match disturbances, some 5,400 cops were stationed throughout Paris.

In Grenoble, outside the capital, a car crashed into a group of revelers, injuring four PSG supporters who were all related. There are still two casualties in critical condition. According to a source close to the investigation, the driver, who turned himself in to police, is not thought to have acted purposefully.