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French police detain hundreds in Paris after violent celebrations of PSG’s Champions League title

	AP Photo/Thomas Padilla
AP Photo/Thomas Padilla Copyright  AP Photo/Thomas Padilla
Copyright AP Photo/Thomas Padilla
By Jerry Fisayo-Bambi
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The French interior ministry said that some 780 persons were questioned nationally, including 283 in Paris alone.

French authorities say police have questioned hundreds of people and detained 457 following violence that disrupted celebrations late Saturday of Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) second Champions League title win, and a group tried to storm a police station in the French capital.

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The arrests came after thousands of fans poured onto the streets and began celebrating across the country following the final whistle earlier in the evening in Budapest, Hungary, where top French side PSG won by beating Arsenal on penalties in a dramatic final.

According to the French interior ministry, some 416 persons were arrested nationally, including 283 in the French capital, Paris, alone, home to the champions PSG.

A car burns and fireworks explode as police watch PSG supporters celebrate in Paris, Saturday, May 30, 2026 after Champions League final soccer match between PSG and Arsenal
A car burns and fireworks explode as police watch PSG supporters celebrate in Paris, Saturday, May 30, 2026 after Champions League final soccer match between PSG and Arsenal Thomas Padilla/Copyright 2026 The AP. All rights reserved

In Paris, fans marched along the avenues near the Arc de Triomphe, with some setting off flares and blaring car horns. Around 20,000 people gathered on the Champs-Elysees, with police working to contain the crowd.

According to the Paris police prefecture, smaller groups caused disruptions in a number of places, with some of them lighting fires and vandalising stores. They also set cars on fire. One police officer was injured.

Police said that by 10 p.m., 45 people were already taken into custody and those who attempted to storm a police station in the posh 8th Arrondissement neighbourhood were dispersed.

PSG supporters celebrate in Paris, Saturday, May 30, 2026 after the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal that was played in Budapest, PS
PSG supporters celebrate in Paris, Saturday, May 30, 2026 after the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal that was played in Budapest, PS Thomas Padilla/Copyright 2026 The AP. All rights reserved

The main ring road surrounding Paris was briefly blockaded by a crowd before police dispersed it. Police also said one bakery and a restaurant were damaged.

Police officers said they also contained about 1,000 people gathered near the PSG stadium in the 16th Arrondissement and cleared barricades made from bicycles.

This year's violence follows that of May last year when Paris was on high alert with 8,000 police officers stationed throughout the city as PSG secured its long-awaited first triumph in the Champions League.

Some 201 people were injured in the French capital then, and police made over 500 arrests nationwide.

PSG's win this year makes it only the second club in the modern history of the Champions League to retain the title- back to back.

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