Paris witnessed a surge of unrest on Saturday evening as crowds gathered to celebrate the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. Tensions escalated near key landmarks, including the Porte de Saint-Cloud and the iconic Champs-Élysées, where police intervention became necessary.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed early arrests in the vicinity of the Parc des Princes, where the match was broadcast live. The situation deteriorated as the evening progressed, with violent clashes erupting in multiple locations across the capital.
clashes erupt near champs-élysées and around the stadium
Security measures were tightened along the upper sections of the Champs-Élysées, though pockets of disappointed PSG supporters congregated at street level to follow the match via their devices. Later, confrontations flared up, resulting in broken infrastructure and skirmishes between law enforcement and agitators.
Reports indicated sporadic mortar fire in the vicinity of avenue Kléber (16th arrondissement). In the 18th arrondissement, groups wearing hoods and wielding metal bars were spotted, though no incidents had been reported at that stage.
riot control measures deployed during second half
During the latter stages of the match, crowd disturbances were reported near Châtelet and around the Parc des Princes. Authorities deployed tear gas to disperse unruly groups, restoring order temporarily.
By 7:30 PM, officials had conducted 1,579 identity checks, leading to 64 fines. Twenty individuals were taken into custody, with ten placed in police custody. Authorities also seized 24 torches, two mortars, and noted the vandalism of a bus shelter on avenue de la Boétie, close to the Champs-Élysées.
Projectiles were hurled at security personnel in the same area, where an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people had assembled during the match, according to official statements.
Near the Parc des Princes, approximately 150 individuals attempted to force entry through a stadium gate. Police intervention successfully repelled the group, restoring calm within minutes.
