A significant number of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters gathered near the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Sunday, May 31, 2026. They celebrated the club’s second Champions League title. Despite peaceful celebrations, France experienced violent clashes overnight, resulting in hundreds of arrests.
Police response amid celebrations
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez disclosed that 780 individuals were detained in Paris and other cities. He mentioned that 57 police officers sustained injuries, mostly minor, due to fans setting fires and vandalizing shops. Nuñez stated that the situation was largely under control. While many celebrations in Paris remained peaceful, most incidents occurred near the Champs Elysees and Parc des Princes stadium, areas where people gathered to watch the match.
Paris Saint-Germain secured its Champions League win following a tense penalty shootout against Arsenal in Budapest, Hungary. Enthusiastic fans celebrated by marching near the Arc de Triomphe, setting off flares, and honking car horns. In the Champs-Elysees, around 20,000 people gathered. Police managed the crowd’s behavior effectively.
Scheduled events proceed under high security
Despite earlier disturbances, scheduled celebrations took place at the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower. Nuñez warned that any potential violence would meet a firm police response. Security measures ensured the safety of up to 100,000 supporters attending the event.
After returning from Budapest, PSG players, including captain Marquinhos, coach Luis Enrique, and president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, received a warm welcome. Fans cheered as the club anthem played, and players lifted the trophy during the event.
Presidential appeal against violence
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted the team at the Elysee presidential palace. He expressed disappointment over the violence, stressing an uncompromising stance against offenders. Macron made clear that violent incidents should not become commonplace, stating, “This must end.”
Nuñez reported disturbances occurred in about 15 cities, with a few shops vandalized. In Paris alone, 480 arrests were made as police intervened to keep major roads clear. One traffic accident involved a car crashing into a restaurant terrace, injuring two people.
Paris police disclosed that 306 people, including 81 minors, were formally detained for various offenses, predominantly assaults on officers. Other allegations involved theft, vandalism, and public order disturbances. Additionally, 40 police officers sustained injuries.
Disruptions and damages reported
Paris police noted disturbances by smaller groups, including shop vandalism, setting garbage and bicycles ablaze, and some attempts to storm a police station. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire condemned the violence and emphasized the joyous nature of the celebrations experienced by the majority.
The celebrations compared to PSG’s first Champions League title in May 2025, which saw 201 injuries and over 500 arrests across France.
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