780 Arrested, 219 Injured in France After Champions League Riots

PARIS — After Paris Saint‑Germain defeated Arsenal to win the UEFA Champions League final, violent clashes erupted between football supporters and police across France. At least 219 people were injured and 780 were arrested.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said eight individuals were in serious condition, and 57 police officers were among those injured during the unrest.

He added that more than 450 suspects remain in custody as authorities continue to investigate the violence that disrupted transport services in Paris, including buses, trains and rail operations.

A 24‑year‑old was found dead after an accident on the Paris ring road, where rioters reportedly attempted to block traffic overnight. The circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear.

Nuñez reported that 6,000 police officers were deployed for the victory parade scheduled at the Eiffel Tower area, and that security forces would respond firmly to any further disturbances. “We are a great country for maintaining public order. We allow freedom of assembly, but not excesses,” he said.

Chaos broke out on the Champs‑Élysées shortly after PSG’s victory on Saturday night. Flares were lit, electric bikes were set ablaze, and shopfronts were vandalised. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds.

Paris police confirmed 480 arrests in the capital, with 277 people taken into custody, including 82 minors. Offences included attacks on security personnel, property damage, theft and illegal possession of weapons.

The Paris prosecutor’s office said the figures were provisional as investigations continued.

A teenager was reported in critical condition following a separate brawl in another part of the city, although it was not immediately clear whether the incident was linked to the football celebrations.

Authorities stated that the vast majority of supporters celebrated peacefully but warned that some individuals who were not genuine fans exploited the occasion to cause disorder.

Far‑right politician Marine Le Pen criticised the unrest, saying it was unusual for football celebrations in France to descend into riots.

Players are expected to take part in a victory parade later on Sunday, which will include a tour of the Champ‑de‑Mars near the Eiffel Tower and a reception hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.

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