Paris Saint-Germain's second Champions League title victory was celebrated by hundreds of thousands of fans across France on Saturday and Sunday, but the festivities were marred by violent clashes overnight that led police to detain 780 people nationwide, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The violence included set fires, vandalized shops, ablaze vehicles, and attacks on officers.
PSG clinched the Champions League title in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday night, defeating Arsenal in a dramatic penalty shootout. Fans began celebrating in Paris after the final whistle, with approximately 20,000 people gathering on the Champs-Elysees. The planned celebration at the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower on Sunday afternoon drew up to 100,000 supporters under high security measures.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive voices focused on concerns about mass detentions and police tactics during the celebrations. Paris prosecutors' office reported that 306 people have been formally placed in police custody, including 81 minors, for alleged offenses including assault of officers, theft, vandalism, and disturbing public order. Critics questioned whether such a heavy-handed response was necessary given that most celebrations remained peaceful.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire wrote on X that "the vast majority of Parisians celebrated it with joy, unity, and respect," while condemning violence in the strongest possible terms. Some advocates for civil liberties argued that detaining minors requires careful review to ensure appropriate handling of young people who may have been swept up in crowd dynamics rather than engaging in deliberate disorder.
What the Right Is Saying
Government officials defended the police response as necessary to protect public safety and property. At a news conference Sunday, Interior Minister Nuñez stated that "the situation has been largely brought under control" and warned that police would respond with "firmness and determination" to any potential violence. He emphasized that most incidents were concentrated in the Champs-Elysees neighborhood and near Parc des Princes stadium.
Authorities noted that incidents occurred in approximately 15 cities across France, with one to two shops vandalized per city outside Paris. Police also intervened five times overnight to prevent groups from blocking traffic on Paris's main ring road. The comparison was drawn to PSG's first Champions League title win in May 2025, when 201 people were injured and more than 500 arrests were made across France, suggesting that this year's response may have been more effective at containing violence.
What the Numbers Show
According to official figures: 780 total detentions nationwide; 480 detentions in the Paris area alone; 57 officers wounded (40 according to Paris prosecutors' office); most officer injuries were minor; 306 people formally placed in police custody including 81 minors; incidents reported in approximately 15 cities; two people wounded, one seriously, when a driver lost control and rammed into a restaurant terrace. The Champ de Mars celebration drew up to 100,000 supporters under high security.
The Bottom Line
PSG players returned from Budapest late Sunday and were greeted by cheering crowds at the Champ de Mars event, with captain Marquinhos, coach Luis Enrique, and club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi taking turns lifting the trophy. The team is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysée presidential palace. Authorities will review how they handled the balance between allowing peaceful celebration and containing violence, particularly given that incidents following PSG's first title win in 2025 resulted in more injuries and arrests.