What should have been a night of celebration quickly turned into a night of chaos across France.
After Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Arsenal to win the Champions League, thousands of jubilant fans poured into the streets.
But amid the celebrations, clashes erupted between crowds and police, leaving 219 people injured, including eight in serious condition.
Authorities say 780 people were arrested, with more than 450 remaining in custody.
Fifty-seven police officers were also hurt as security forces struggled to contain the unrest.
What Went Wrong?
Officials argue that many of those causing trouble were not genuine football supporters.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez insisted the “vast majority” celebrated peacefully, adding that some individuals simply turned up to create disorder.
Scenes in Paris were dramatic. Flares lit up the night sky, vehicles were set ablaze, shop windows were smashed.
Police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds along the famous Champs-Élysées.
Transport services across the capital also faced major disruptions.
Tragically, a 24-year-old man died near Paris’s ring road during the disorder.
A teenager remains in critical condition following a separate fight.
Despite the violence, PSG’s victory parade is still set to take place under heavy security.
With 6,000 officers deployed and a reception planned with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Football can unite a city in celebration—but as Paris learned once again, the line between jubilation and chaos can be surprisingly thin.
