At least 219 people were injured and 780 arrested following violent clashes between football fans and police across France after defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Arsenal to retain the UEFA Champions League Trophy.
According to French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, 57 police officers were among those hurt during the disturbance, and eight people were in critical condition.
He revealed that around 450 individuals are still being held while officials look into the violence that affected Paris’s bus, train, and rail systems. Also, a 24-year-old person was also discovered dead following an accident on the Paris Ring Road, which protesters allegedly tried to obstruct overnight.
Nunez also stated that 6,000 police officers have been called in for the victory parade that is set to take place near the Eiffel Tower. He also stated that security authorities will react severely to any additional disruptions.
“When it comes to upholding public order, our nation excels. He stated, “We permit freedom of assembly, but not excesses.”
Shortly after PSG’s victory on Saturday night, scenes of mayhem broke out on the Champs-Élysées, with shopfronts vandalised, electric bikes set on fire, and flares fired. Tear gas was used by police to break up gatherings.
480 arrests were made in the city alone, according to Paris police, and 277 individuals were detained, including 82 minors. Attacks on security personnel, theft, property destruction, and unlawful weapon possession were among the offences.
According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the numbers were still tentative while investigations were ongoing.
After a further altercation in another area of the city, a teenager was also reportedly in severe condition; however, it was not immediately apparent whether the incidents were connected to the football festivities.
Although the great majority of supporters celebrated quietly, authorities cautioned that some people who weren’t true fans took advantage of the event to create chaos.
Marine Le Pen, a far-right politician, denounced the disturbances, claiming that rioting during sports celebrations in France was uncommon.
Players are anticipated to participate in a victory parade that will feature a reception hosted by President Emmanuel Macron and a tour of the Champ-de-Mars, which is located close to the Eiffel Tower later on Sunday.
