PSG Fans Celebrate Champions League Victory Amid Clashes

PARIS — The French capital was alive with celebration as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans gathered near the Eiffel Tower on May 31, 2026. The occasion marked PSG’s second Champions League title win. Despite the joy, violent incidents across France resulted in hundreds of detentions.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that 780 individuals were detained and 57 officers were injured. The clashes involved fires and vandalism, but the minister assured the public that the situation had been largely controlled. Most of the disruptive events occurred in the Champs Elysees area and near the Parc des Princes stadium, where fans congregated to watch the decisive match.

The celebrations began after PSG’s nail-biting victory over Arsenal in a penalty shootout in Budapest. Enthusiastic fans took to Paris streets, especially around the Arc de Triomphe, igniting flares and honking car horns. Around 20,000 supporters rallied on the Champs-Elysees, closely monitored by police to manage the crowd.

The planned events took place on Sunday afternoon at the Champ de Mars, with the Eiffel Tower as a stunning backdrop.

Security was tight as up to 100,000 supporters gathered, showing staunch support for the team. PSG’s squad, including captain Marquinhos and coach Luis Enrique, returned to a hero’s welcome. The players celebrated by lifting the trophy, basking in the gleeful atmosphere.

The team later met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace, where Macron condemned the violence. “This is not soccer, this is not sport,” Macron asserted, emphasizing that such behavior must cease. He stressed that the nation seeks an end to such disturbances.

Minister Nuñez detailed incidents in 15 French cities, with two shops vandalized in places other than Paris. He reported that 780 were detained in total, with 480 arrests in the Paris area. Preventative measures were taken to stop disruptions, including an incident where a car crashed into a restaurant terrace, injuring two people.

The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that 306 individuals, including 81 minors, faced police custody for various charges such as assault, theft, and vandalism. Forty officers sustained injuries in the process.

Violent episodes included setting fires and vandalizing properties in multiple areas. Smaller groups disturbed the peace by burning cars and attempting to infiltrate a police station. However, law enforcement swiftly dispersed these crowds.

Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire expressed pride in the majority of fans for celebrating peacefully. However, he condemned aggression unequivocally.

During PSG’s first triumph in May 2025, 201 injuries occurred, and police made over 500 arrests nationwide.