Tensions escalated in Paris on Saturday evening as crowds gathered for the highly anticipated Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal. The city’s security forces were put to the test, with multiple incidents reported across key locations.
The situation began to deteriorate in the late afternoon near the Parc des Princes, where the match was being broadcast. According to police sources, a wave of arrests unfolded as tensions rose among fans. The minister of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, was on-site overseeing security arrangements on the Champs-Élysées, where additional measures had been deployed to manage the large turnout.
clashes erupt near iconic landmarks
Disruptions were reported in several areas, including the upper sections of the Champs-Élysées, where some PSG supporters, frustrated by the outcome, congregated. As night fell, confrontations intensified with reports of broken infrastructure and clashes between law enforcement and individuals attempting to cause disturbances. An abribus was vandalized, and projectiles were thrown at police officers stationed along the avenue, where up to 5,000 people had gathered during the match.
Avenue Kléber in the 16th arrondissement also saw sporadic mortar fire, while in the 18th arrondissement, groups clad in hoods and armed with metal bars were observed moving through the streets, though no immediate acts of violence were reported at that time.
crowd control challenges and police response
As the match progressed into the second half, reports emerged of crowd movements near Châtelet and around the Parc des Princes. Authorities responded by deploying tear gas to disperse the gatherings, ensuring public safety amid the volatile atmosphere. By 7:30 PM, a total of 1,579 checks had been conducted, resulting in 64 fines. Twenty individuals were apprehended, with ten placed in custody. Additionally, authorities seized 24 torches and two mortars, while confirming the destruction of an abribus on Avenue de la Boétie, close to the Champs-Élysées.
Near the stadium, approximately 150 individuals attempted to force entry through one of the gates. A swift police intervention successfully quelled the situation within minutes, restoring order in the area.
aftermath and ongoing vigilance
The final outcome of the match added to the heightened emotions, with some supporters expressing disappointment. Authorities remained on high alert, monitoring the streets to prevent further escalation. The evening served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced when major sporting events draw massive crowds to urban centers.