416 arrested in Paris as PSG Champions League celebrations descend into disorder

French police arrested 416 people in the early hours of Sunday morning as celebrations following PSG’s Champions League final victory over Arsenal in Budapest spiralled into disorder across Paris. Interior minister Laurent Nunez condemned the scenes as “absolutely unacceptable,” while thousands of officers were deployed to contain crowds that disrupted bus, train and rail services throughout the city.

PSG had trailed in the final after Kai Havertz gave Arsenal an early lead, but Ousmane Dembélé levelled from the penalty spot to force a shootout. Eberechi Eze and Gabriel both missed from 12 yards, handing PSG the trophy and a second consecutive European crown.

The Champs-Élysées filled with supporters and red smoke as fireworks and flares were set off in the city centre. Officers sustained injuries while using tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowds. A police spokesperson said: “Our responsibility is to guarantee everyone a festive celebration that is calm and fully secure.”

Ahead of the final, footage had circulated on social media showing businesses boarding up their windows in anticipation of post-match disorder. Further video evidence emerged overnight of confrontations between fans and police.

Of the 416 detained, 280 arrests were made in Paris itself. Far-right politician Marine Le Pen used the disorder to make a political point on X, writing: “Only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots. Only in France does everyone feel compelled to lock themselves in their homes on the evening of a victory to avoid being confronted with violence.”

PSG players are due back in the capital on Sunday for a victory parade running from the Champ-de-Mars, near the Eiffel Tower, followed by a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Arsenal supporters, many of whom watched the final at the Emirates Stadium having been unable to secure tickets for Budapest, will also hold a parade in London on Sunday — marking the club’s return to the top of English football for the first time in two decades.