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PSG beat Arsenal on penalties to win a second straight Champions League title, but post match celebrations quickly turned violent in several cities.
A car is set ablaze as PSG supporters celebrate their team’s win in the UEFA Champions League, at Place du Trocadero opposite the Eiffel Tower in Paris on May 30. (AFP photo)
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Arsenal should have been a night of celebration, but instead it descended into widespread unrest across France, marked by riots, arrests and at least one death.
PSG secured their second consecutive Champions League title on Saturday night in Budapest, beating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
Thousands of supporters took to the streets across France soon after, but celebrations quickly turned violent in several cities.
Violence erupts across cities
Authorities said the night was marred by clashes between police and groups of supporters, along with incidents of vandalism, theft and arson. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said 780 people were arrested nationwide during the overnight disorder.
He also confirmed that 57 security personnel were injured, along with 219 participants, including eight seriously hurt. Officials pointed to an increased use of fireworks directed at law enforcement during the unrest.
Police said disturbances were recorded in around 71 municipalities, with thefts and looting reported in at least 15 cities.
Scenes of civil war after PSG’s victory in Paris. Looting, cars set on fire, more than 100 arrested.
They came to pay pensions and ended up burning our cities. pic.twitter.com/jTXRrA4mS2
— Javier Negre (@javiernegre10) May 30, 2026
Fatal crash, injuries reported
The Paris public prosecutor’s office said a man in his twenties died after crashing his motocross bike into concrete blocks on a ring road exit ramp in the capital. Authorities said a group of supporters had earlier blocked traffic on the ring road and set off flares.
In a separate incident, another young man was seriously injured in a knife attack in Paris, reportedly linked to an attempted robbery, prosecutors added.
Officials said a large police deployment was already in place, with around 22,000 officers mobilised across the country in anticipation of possible disorder following last year’s unrest during PSG’s European success.
Riots and attempts of arson and looting reported from Paris in connection with the Champions League final played in Budapest tonight between Arsenal and PSG🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/8sTY7SirP4
— Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) May 30, 2026
(With inputs from agencies)
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