More than 200 people have been injured and hundreds arrested across France following violent clashes that erupted after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured victory in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal.
French authorities confirmed that 219 people were injured during incidents linked to post-match celebrations, with eight individuals reported to be in serious condition.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 780 people had been arrested nationwide in connection with the unrest, while more than 450 remained in police custody.
The violence also left 57 police officers injured as security forces attempted to control disturbances in Paris and other cities.
Thousands of supporters gathered on the Champs-Élysées shortly after PSG’s historic victory, but celebrations quickly escalated into disorder in several areas.
Videos circulating online showed flares being set off, vehicles set on fire and damage caused to shops and public property. Riot police were forced to deploy tear gas in an effort to disperse crowds.
Authorities also confirmed that a 24-year-old man died following an incident near Paris’s ring road, where rioters had reportedly attempted to block traffic. The exact circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation.
In a separate incident, a teenager was reported to be in critical condition after a violent altercation elsewhere in the city.
Paris prosecutors stated that arrests were made for a range of offences including attacks on police officers, vandalism, theft and illegal possession of weapons.
Despite the unrest, French authorities emphasized that the majority of supporters celebrated peacefully.
More than 6,000 police officers have been deployed ahead of PSG’s official victory parade near the Eiffel Tower, with authorities pledging a strong security response to prevent further disturbances.
PSG players are expected to participate in celebrations on Sunday, including a public parade and an official reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
