Credited from: LEMONDE
Celebrations erupted throughout France following Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) dramatic Champions League final victory, but they soon turned violent, leading to over 416 arrests nationwide, including 280 in Paris. Police reported that clashes between fans and officers resulted in injuries to at least seven police personnel, described as "absolutely unacceptable" by Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, who emphasized the need for a robust security response in light of last year's similar turmoil, which left two dead and hundreds injured, according to India Times and BBC.
Roughly 22,000 police officers were deployed to prevent disturbances during the celebrations, with specific hotspots around PSG's Parc des Princes stadium and the iconic Champs-Élysées. Despite the large police presence, thousands of fans gathered, many setting off fireworks and flares, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse the crowds. Reports indicated approximately 20,000 supporters converged on the Champs-Élysées, celebrating the thrilling victory, according to Le Monde and Reuters.
(...) Near PSG's stadium, disturbances escalated when a group attempted to breach security gates, resulting in confrontations with law enforcement. Vehicles were damaged, and a bakery and a restaurant in the vicinity also suffered vandalism during the chaos. In another operation, police seized about 100 fireworks and two dozen flares, indicating the level of unrest that unfolded, according to India Times and Reuters.
The aftermath of the celebrations drew widespread criticism from political figures, including far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who remarked on social media about the cyclical nature of violence following football victories in France. Amidst the unrest, PSG players are expected to feature in a victory parade, proceeding to a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron post-celebration, creating an ongoing narrative of sports and societal issues, as reported by BBC and Reuters.