Nearly 800 rioters were arrested in France after the Champions League final
In France, large-scale celebrations of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)’s victory in the Champions League final escalated into violent clashes with law enforcement and riots. Following the overnight incidents that occurred across the country after the match ended on May 30, authorities detained 780 people.
This was reported by the BFMTV television channel, citing a statement from official representatives of the security agency.
The main wave of violence and mass disturbances occurred in the French capital—480 arrests were recorded in Paris. Of these, 277 people, including 82 minors, were officially placed in custody on suspicion of committing serious criminal offenses. Despite assurances from authorities that the overall situation on city streets was under control, the nighttime unrest resulted in a large number of injuries. A total of 219 civilians were injured, eight of whom are in serious condition. In particular, a 17-year-old teenager was hospitalized after sustaining severe stab wounds during one of the mass brawls.
During efforts to restrain aggressive fans and restore public order, 57 members of the national police and gendarmerie were also injured. French media note that such destructive behavior by the Parisian club’s ultras is becoming a trend. Last year, when PSG won the Champions League title for the first time in its history, law enforcement also reported large-scale riots that ended with the arrest of about 600 radicalized fans.
Mass celebrations began immediately after the final whistle, when tens of thousands of fans took to the central streets of the French capital. About 20,000 people gathered simultaneously on the Champs-Élysées, blocking public and private transportation.
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