Chaos Erupts in Paris After PSG’s Champions League Triumph; More Than 130 Arrested

Melbourne, 31 May: Celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League final victory descended into chaos across the French capital, with more than 130 football fans arrested amid widespread disorder, vehicle fires and clashes with police.

Violence erupted in several parts of Paris as supporters flooded the streets following PSG’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Arsenal. Authorities reported that cars and motorbikes were set ablaze, flares and fireworks were ignited, and police officers came under attack from unruly crowds.

The most serious disturbances were reported in the Châtelet district, between Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. Witnesses said tensions began early in the match after Arsenal took a sixth-minute lead through Kai Havertz.

“Trouble started as soon as Arsenal went one-nil up,” one onlooker told local media. “Chairs and bottles were thrown at police, who moved in to make arrests.”

As the match progressed, further confrontations broke out throughout the city. Some PSG supporters climbed scaffolding near Rue de Rivoli, one of Paris’s busiest shopping streets, prompting additional police intervention.

By the end of the evening, police had conducted approximately 1,600 stop-and-search operations and arrested more than 130 individuals. Weapons, fireworks and other prohibited items were seized during the operation. Authorities also confirmed that six vehicles and two shopfronts were damaged during the unrest.

Thousands of tourists visiting landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum were caught up in the disturbances. Around 5,000 police officers and gendarmes had been deployed across Paris amid concerns about potential disorder surrounding the final.

Unrest was also reported near PSG’s home ground, Parc des Princes, where the match was being broadcast live to supporters. Police reportedly used tear gas after hundreds of ticketless fans attempted to enter the area.

Social media footage showed bottles being thrown at officers as police carried out arrests. Other videos captured vehicles on fire and crowds running through city streets.

Concerns about football-related violence had already prompted many businesses in central Paris to board up their storefronts ahead of the match, fearing riots, looting and vandalism.

Football-related disorder has become an increasing concern in France. Last year, 43 people were arrested following PSG’s victory over Arsenal to reach the Champions League final.

Violence was also reported in other parts of France, with one of the most serious incidents occurring near the Champs-Élysées, where a vehicle drove into a group of supporters.

PSG’s victory secured back-to-back Champions League titles for the French club, while Arsenal’s hopes of lifting Europe’s most prestigious club trophy for the first time in their history ended in heartbreak.

The final had begun on a festive note, with supporters enjoying pre-match celebrations and a performance by rock band The Killers. However, for many in Paris, the night ultimately became overshadowed by scenes of disorder and violence.