Paris: Riots erupted in Paris during celebrations of PSG's victory in the European Cup. The celebrations for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)'s second consecutive European title turned into a minor riot in Paris when hardcore fans set fire to objects and clashed with riot police after their team won the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 season's title after a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Arsenal (1-1 in regulation time) at the Pusk¡s Arena in Budapest, Hungary.
According to Thai News Agency, French riot police fired tear gas and pepper spray to disperse crowds around the Parc des Princes stadium, where a giant screen had been set up for over 40,000 fans to watch the match, as well as in the ChStelis district and in front of a police station in the upscale area. Violent fans set fire to barricades, including at least six vehicles, a trash can, and public bicycles. Bus stops and bus shelters were vandalized, and some shops were looted, despite most having installed large wooden slats in front of their stores for protection. Some protesters occupied and blocked the Paris ring road, setting off fireworks and paralyzing traffic.
The French Interior Ministry has mobilized more than 8,000 riot police and soldiers in Paris, and over 20,000 nationwide to control the situation. 416 people have been detained across the country, with over 280 of them in Paris. At least seven police officers have been injured.
Marlene Le Pen, the far-right leader of France, immediately attacked the incident via the X platform, stating that only in France could a football club's victory ignite riots and force people to stay home for safety.
Previously, French authorities had already prepared for the highest level of security measures because when PSG won their first Champions League title last year, the celebrations turned into a tragedy that resulted in two deaths and nearly 200 injuries. As a result, this year the Ministry of the Interior has ordered a heightened security presence to prevent the situation from escalating out of control.
Despite the overnight unrest, the PSG championship parade around Paris and the meeting with President Emmanuel Macron are proceeding as scheduled.