Mass riots following Paris Saint-Germain's victory
This is according to the Associated Press.
The unrest spread to Paris and other cities
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunes said that most of the incidents took place in the Champs-Élysées area and near the Parc des Princes stadium, where fans were watching the final match. According to him, disturbances were reported in around 15 cities across the country. The disturbances included arson, damage to shops, street furniture and vehicles. A small group of people also attempted to storm a police station in Paris. At the same time, Nunes emphasised that most of the celebrations in the French capital had been peaceful.
Minors are among those detained
According to French police, 780 people were arrested across the country, 480 of them in the Paris region. The Paris public prosecutor’s office reported that 277 people, including 82 minors, were formally taken into custody on suspicion of committing offences. Most of the cases relate to attacks on law enforcement officers. Those detained are also charged with theft, vandalism and disturbing public order.
Dozens of police officers were injured during the celebrations
According to the Minister of the Interior, 57 police officers were injured as a result of the clashes. Most of the injuries were minor. Nunez also reported a serious road accident in which a car crashed into a restaurant terrace. Two people were injured as a result, one of whom is in a critical condition. Despite the night-time disturbances, the planned events to mark PSG’s victory are set to go ahead as scheduled. On Sunday, the team will hold a celebration on the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower, after which the players will be received by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
How the disturbances began
The celebrations began after the final whistle of the match, in which PSG beat London’s Arsenal on penalties to win the Champions League title. Around 20,000 people gathered on the Champs-Élysées. Some fans set off flares, lit fireworks and staged unauthorised demonstrations on the city’s streets.
Follow us on Telegram
