France detains hundreds after Champions League final

Hundreds of people were detained and dozens of police officers injured across France following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Arsenal, turning celebrations into unrest in many cities.

Announcing the updated figures, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Sunday that 780 people were detained across the country, 480 of whom were in the Paris metropolitan area.

Additionally, 57 police officers were injured and all figures are likely to change again as evaluations of the incidents continue.

Officials talked about a 30 percent increase compared to last year, when PSG won the Champions League for the first time.

In 2025, two people died, approximately 200 people were injured and 559 people were detained. Authorities also recorded nearly 700 fires in which many vehicles were set on fire.

“There were celebratory gatherings accompanied by a series of riots, which was consistent with what we expected,” Nunez said at a news conference early Sunday. he said.

“These riots are completely unacceptable.”

Incidents were reported in approximately 15 cities across the country.

In Paris, the situation was particularly tense around the Champs-Elysees, where thousands of people gathered after the match.

Masked men clashed with security forces, firing bullets and using tear gas.

Videos circulating on social media show burning vehicles, barricades and fireworks aimed at people.

Fans had gathered to watch PSG beat Arsenal 4-3 on penalties at the team’s Parc des Princes stadium on a big screen, which French media reported was almost full.

Approximately 22,000 police officers were on duty across France, including approximately 8,000 in the capital.

The team was planned to return from Budapest, where the final will be played, with a big reception in Paris on Sunday.