/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F02%2FFotoJet-2026-02-28T161958.230.jpg)
Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final victory over Arsenal was overshadowed by widespread disorder across France, with police making more than 400 arrests following chaotic scenes in the capital and several other cities.
Thousands of supporters flooded the streets after PSG secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Arsenal, sparking celebrations that quickly escalated into violent clashes with police.
Authorities confirmed that 416 people were arrested overnight, including more than 280 in the Paris region alone.
French officials had anticipated potential trouble and deployed a huge security operation across the country, with around 22,000 police officers mobilised ahead of the final.
Large sections of central Paris, including the famous Champs-Elysees, became focal points for the celebrations as tens of thousands of PSG supporters gathered after the final whistle.
How serious was the unrest after PSG's victory?
Images and videos shared across social media showed fireworks, flares and smoke filling the streets, while several vehicles were set on fire and shopfronts were damaged during the disorder.
Riot police were forced to use tear gas in multiple locations as they attempted to disperse crowds and restore order.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that seven police officers were injured during the clashes and described the violence as “absolutely unacceptable”.
Reports also suggested that some individuals attempted to attack or enter a police station during the unrest, while public transport services experienced disruption across parts of Paris.
Earlier in the day, tensions had already emerged around PSG's Parc des Princes stadium, where more than 40,000 supporters gathered to watch the final on giant screens. Police intervened after isolated confrontations broke out between fans and security personnel.
Authorities stated that several businesses, vehicles and public facilities were damaged throughout the night. Incidents were also reported in multiple French cities outside Paris, underlining the scale of the celebrations following PSG's latest European triumph.
Why were police better prepared this year?
The disturbances inevitably drew comparisons with the scenes that followed PSG's previous Champions League success, when celebrations turned deadly and left hundreds injured.
Determined to avoid a repeat, French authorities implemented what Nunez described as a robust security plan, including a significantly increased police presence in key areas.
Despite the unrest, PSG's celebrations are set to continue, with the squad expected to take part in a victory parade through Paris, including an appearance near the Eiffel Tower and a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
FGG says: Success should not come with destruction
Football celebrations are often emotional just like Arsenal fans had after their Premier League triumph, but the scenes witnessed across France once again crossed the line. While the overwhelming majority of supporters celebrated peacefully, a minority managed to overshadow PSG's achievement.
French authorities deserve credit for preparing more effectively than last year, but the fact that hundreds of arrests were still required highlights an ongoing problem. A Champions League victory should be remembered for football, not riot police, burning vehicles and damaged city streets.