Paris celebrates PSG Champions League win with clashes and 300 arrests
The victory of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League final sparked widespread celebrations in Paris on Saturday, May 30, 2026, which quickly escalated into clashes with law enforcement. Nearly 300 arrests were recorded across the capital and surrounding areas, as revelers turned disruptive, prompting a robust police response.
Security forces overwhelmed by unrest
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that 416 individuals were detained nationwide, with 283 arrests made in the Paris metropolitan area alone. Speaking to the press just after midnight, he condemned the disturbances as “absolutely unacceptable,” emphasizing that authorities had anticipated such incidents.
The minister also reported seven police officers injured, including one seriously after sustaining a skull injury in Agen. Violent confrontations were reported in multiple cities, from Rennes to Strasbourg, Clermont-Ferrand, and Grenoble, where looting was documented.
Disruptions across the city
The Paris Police Prefecture (PP) disclosed that 24 flares and over 100 fireworks were confiscated during the night. Several vehicles and businesses suffered damage, including a bakery and a restaurant near Porte de Saint-Cloud. A journalist on-site observed continuous fireworks and reckless behavior, such as climbing onto fire trucks.
Police sources also noted a stabbing incident in Barbès and a man falling into the Seine in the 5th arrondissement after consuming alcohol. Near the Parc des Princes, around 150 individuals attempted to breach stadium gates, but officers swiftly restored order.
Challenges on the Champs-Élysées
Between 4,000 and 5,000 spectators gathered near the Champs-Élysées during the match, with thousands more arriving afterward. Projectiles were thrown at police, leading to clashes. In the 8th arrondissement, a group targeted a police station before being dispersed.
Mayor of Reims, Arnaud Robinet, took to social media to report “a few arrests” in the city. The PP had deployed an extensive security plan, including 22,000 police and gendarmes, with 8,000 dedicated to Paris and its suburbs, to manage the event alongside other major gatherings like rugby matches, tennis at Roland-Garros, and concerts featuring artists such as Aya Nakamura and Damso.
Public transport paralyzed
With transport networks severely impacted, Île-de-France Mobilités announced the suspension of multiple metro and bus lines to ensure passenger and driver safety. Last year, 5,400 police officers were deployed, resulting in 563 arrests and 307 detentions in Paris alone.
Victory parade planned
PSG players are set to participate in a public parade on Sunday afternoon at the Champs-de-Mars, expected to draw nearly 100,000 fans. The team will subsequently be received by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
