Champions League Victory Riots in France
Monday, 2026/06/01160 words2 minutes334 reads
Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal in the Champions League final, but celebrations quickly turned violent across France. A total of 219 people were injured in clashes between fans and police, with eight in serious condition.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that 780 people were arrested, and 57 police officers were injured. The violence disrupted transportation services in Paris, including buses, trains, and rail lines. One person died in an accident on Paris's ring road, which rioters attempted to block overnight.
Thousands of fans gathered on the Champs-Élysées after the victory. Videos showed flares being set off, electric bikes burning, and shop windows being smashed. Police used tear gas to control the crowds. The Paris prosecutor's office said offences included attacks on officers, property damage, theft, and illegal weapons possession.
For Sunday's victory parade near the Eiffel Tower, authorities deployed 6,000 police officers. Minister Nuñez promised a firm response, stating that while freedom of assembly is allowed, excesses will not be tolerated.
