Paris Saint-Germain's victory in the Champions League sparked a wave of celebrations across France, but in several cities, they turned into mass riots. As a result, police arrested nearly 900 people, and about 180 law enforcement officers were injured.
France is reflecting on a tumultuous night following the victory of the football club Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. According to the country's Ministry of the Interior, more than 890 people were arrested during the riots that erupted after the final match.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that the number of arrests was 45% higher than during similar mass events a year earlier.
Celebrations began immediately after PSG defeated London’s Arsenal in the tournament final, securing the main club trophy in European football for the second consecutive year. For many fans, this was a reason to take to the streets; however, in several locations, the festive atmosphere quickly turned into clashes and acts of vandalism.
According to the head of the Ministry of the Interior, about 180 police officers were injured during the riots.
The most tense situation was observed in Paris and other major cities, where law enforcement had to intervene to restore order.
What is important to know: such spikes in violence after major football victories are not uncommon in Europe. However, the scale of the current riots in France was so serious that it attracted the attention of the country's top leadership.
On Sunday, PSG players were received at the Élysée Palace by French President Emmanuel Macron. While congratulating the team on their victory, he simultaneously condemned the actions of the rioters.
“Enough. We are fed up with this. This is not football, this is not sport, and this is not what we love,” said the French leader.
PSG's victory itself became one of the main sporting events of the year in France and sparked huge public resonance. However, the discussion of the club's triumph was largely overshadowed by the consequences of the street clashes, which led to hundreds of arrests and dozens of injuries.
Now, French authorities will have to assess the damage and deal with the aftermath of the largest riots accompanying football celebrations in recent years.
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