Post-champions league victory: widespread disturbances and hundreds of arrests in Paris
Ligue des champions : débordements dans Paris et près de 300 interpellations suite à la victoire du PSG
Following Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League triumph on Saturday, May 30, 2026, the capital experienced significant unrest and confrontations with law enforcement, leading to nearly 300 arrests.
- Publié le 31-05-2026 à 09h54
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez addressed the media around 1:30 AM on Sunday, confirming that celebratory gatherings had unfortunately been marred by numerous incidents. He stated, “We witnessed festive demonstrations that were punctuated by a series of disturbances, a situation we had anticipated and prepared for.” The minister reported a total of 416 arrests nationwide, with 283 occurring within the Paris metropolitan area alone.
Nuñez emphasized that “these acts of disorder are utterly unacceptable.”
The head of the Interior Ministry also detailed injuries to seven police officers across the country. One officer in Agen sustained a severe head trauma amidst the unrest. Disturbances were reported in approximately fifteen cities nationwide, including instances of looting in Rennes, Strasbourg, Clermont-Ferrand, and Grenoble.
In Reims, Mayor Arnaud Robinet shared a brief update on Facebook, noting “a few arrests” in his city.
Earlier, the Paris Police Prefecture (PP) confirmed the seizure of 24 flares and approximately one hundred fireworks. Property damage included six vehicles and two businesses near Porte de Saint-Cloud – a bakery and a restaurant. Further south, continuous fireworks were launched, and youths were seen climbing onto a fire truck.
The minister further explained that law enforcement swiftly intervened to clear four separate attempts to block the périphérique (ring road), effectively resolving each situation.
Near the iconic Champs-Elysées avenue, where an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 spectators had gathered during the match, projectiles were hurled at police. Following the final whistle, thousands more converged on the avenue, according to police reports.
In the 8th arrondissement, individuals attempted to assault a police station before officers managed to disperse them.
Reports indicate one person sustained a stab wound in the Barbès area, and in the 5th arrondissement, an intoxicated man fell into the Seine River.
At Parc des Princes, around 150 individuals tried to force entry through a stadium gate. Police intervention quickly repelled them, restoring calm within moments.
Later, near Porte de Saint-Cloud, close to the Parc, clashes erupted between officers and supporters. Fireworks were launched at law enforcement, who responded with tear gas.
The Prefecture had previously affirmed its meticulous preparations for the Champions League final’s security arrangements, alongside other major events simultaneously taking place in the capital. These included a rugby match, ongoing Roland-Garros tennis tournament, and concerts by artists like Aya Nakamura at Stade de France and rapper Damso at Paris La Défense Arena.
Public transport halted
An extraordinary security operation was in place, with 22,000 police and gendarmerie officers mobilized nationwide, including 8,000 dedicated to Paris and its surrounding areas.
The Paris Police Prefecture had reiterated its commitment to ensuring “a popular, serene, and fully secure celebration for everyone,” emphasizing directives for “reactivity, engagement, and firmness.”
Many public transport services were suspended. IDF Mobilité announced on its X account that “due to numerous gatherings, the network is heavily impacted, with many lines halted to ensure the safety of passengers and drivers.”
In comparison, last year’s event saw 5,400 police and gendarmerie deployed in Paris and its agglomeration. That occasion resulted in a total of 563 arrests (491 in Paris), with 307 individuals taken into custody (202 in Paris).
Looking ahead, the victorious players are scheduled for a parade on Sunday afternoon at the Champs-de-Mars in the 15th arrondissement, where an estimated 100,000 people are expected. Following the parade, they will be received by President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysée Palace.