At least 81 people have been arrested after shocking violence broke out close to Paris Saint-Germain’s home stadium as fans gathered to watch their club in the Champions League final
At least 81 individuals have been arrested following shocking violence near Paris Saint-Germain’s home ground as supporters gathered to watch their team in the Champions League final.
PSG fans had earlier celebrated their side’s opening goal against Inter Milan outside Parc des Princes, where a fanzone had been established for those unable to attend the EUFA match in Munich.
However, horrifying footage on social media depicts chaotic scenes as police wielding batons clashed with rioting youths in the city, close to where thousands of fans had congregated.
Roads surrounding the stadium were cordoned off to allow the match to be screened to fans before trouble erupted on Saturday evening. Several fires were ignited near the stadium and fire brigades have been dispatched to numerous locations to combat the flames as disorder broke out.
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Riot police charged at massive crowds of rioters as tensions escalated and officers deployed tear gas to scatter the crowd near the stadium, reports the Daily Star. Elsewhere in the city, crowds have been spotted sprinting across the Ring Road in Paris and obstructing traffic.
When a mobile police unit was sent to disperse them, it was forced to retreat after projectiles were hurled and the crowds clashed with the police.
One shocking social media video shows police officers dragging a man wearing a balaclava on the road as large crowds throw missiles at them. Social media users reported seeing police also charging toward crowds on the Champs-Élysées, where another fanzone was being held.
Local outlets have reported that police detained at least 81 individuals following the riots. France’s interior minister Bruno Retailleau broadcasted across social platforms, stating: “True PSG fans are getting excited about their team’s magnificent performance. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement.
“I have asked the internal security forces to react vigorously to these abuses. I offer my support to the Police Prefect and all the police officers who are ensuring everyone’s safety this evening. It is unbearable that it is not possible to party without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”
Paris was set for festivities with an “unprecedented festive and security program” initiated to commemorate the climax before, during, and after the kick-off. The Eiffel Tower came alive on Friday night, showcasing messages backing the home side.
On Saturday evening, the iconic monument beamed in PSG’s colours, celebrating each goal netted by the team.
The city and its suburbs saw the establishment of numerous fan zones and vast screen broadcasts. France’s largest outdoor gathering took place at the Hippodrome de Longchamp, where revellers enjoyed a 30-metre diagonal LED display amidst a selection of food trucks.
In addition to the fanzone at the stadium, Paris’ prestigious Champs-Élysées was shut to traffic from 7pm on Saturday. Paris police chief Laurent Nunez had previously informed local news outlets that a substantial force of 5,400 police officers would be present in the city for the UEFA Champions League final.
Laurent Nunez did not dismiss the possibility of cancelling a victory parade set for June 1 “in event of disorder” should PSG emerge victorious in the final.
Trouble sparked in the city as PSG hammered Inter Milan with a resounding 5-0 victory in the much-anticipated match, featuring goals from Hakimi, Kvaratskhelia, Mayulu and Doué’s double—clinching their first-ever European championship.
This triumph marks just the second time PSG reached the final since the club’s fortunes were revolutionised by its Qatari-backed takeover, launching it into the upper echelons of European football.
