Chaotic celebrations erupted across France, particularly in Paris, following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) recent Champions League final victory over Arsenal, leading to the arrest of more than 400 individuals. Despite French authorities mobilising tens of thousands of police officers in anticipation of potential unrest, the triumph was marred by widespread violence and disruption.

The scale of the disorder necessitated a massive security response, with public transport services in the capital—including bus, train, and rail—being severely disrupted. Supporters, many of whom gathered on the iconic Champs-Élysées, set off numerous fireworks and flares, transforming the avenue into a scene of pyrotechnic displays. However, the celebrations quickly escalated into destructive acts, with videos circulating that showed electric scooters and bikes ablaze, and at least one shop window being smashed.

Clashes were also reported near giant screens at PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium earlier in the day. Police documented significant property damage, including six vehicles, two businesses, and a bus shelter. In response to the escalating crowds and violence, police deployed tear gas in central Paris to disperse the gatherings, leading to injuries among seven officers.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the violence as "absolutely unacceptable" and highlighted that 416 people had been arrested nationwide by early Sunday, with 280 of those arrests occurring in Paris alone. This year's events echoed similar unrest that accompanied PSG’s trophy win last year, which tragically resulted in fatalities. Despite officials stating they were "better prepared" this time, with Nuñez describing the security plan as "very robust, very solid," the intensity of the post-match chaos remained a significant concern.

The situation drew sharp criticism from political figures, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen commenting on social media platform X: "Only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots. Only in France does everyone feel compelled to lock themselves in their homes on the evening of a victory to avoid being confronted with violence." Meanwhile, PSG players are scheduled to participate in a victory parade on Sunday afternoon, which will include a tour of the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower and a reception hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, amid calls for peace and order.