Paris is currently grappling with the aftermath of severe civil unrest and widespread hooliganism that erupted following Paris St-Germain (PSG) winning the UEFA Champions League final, on Saturday night, defeating Arsenal (4–3 on penalties) in the final held in Budapest
The subsequent celebrations devolved into violent clashes, looting, and rioting, resulting in over 700 arrests across France, dozens of injuries.
The unrest was concentrated around the Champs-Élysées and near the Parc des Princes stadium, where thousands had gathered to watch the match on giant screens.
Mobs set fire to parked cars, barricades, and rows of electric bicycles. A handful of shops were vandalized, and a small group even attempted to storm a local police station.
Security operatives deployed roughly 22,000 police officers (including 8,000 in Paris alone).
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that 780 people were detained nationwide (with 480 of those arrests occurring in the Paris metropolitan area).
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence as “indescribable” and stated that the country is “fed up” with victory celebrations routinely devolving into riots.
However, by Sunday afternoon, the tension had largely cleared.
A massive, peaceful victory parade took place near the Eiffel Tower at the Champ de Mars to celebrate the team’s trophy, heavily secured by a strict police presence.