Violence after PSG's victory: 780 arrests and unrest in several cities

Paris Saint-Germain's victory in the Champions League final sparked large gatherings across France on Saturday night into Sunday morning. While the celebrations proceeded without major incident in many areas, several cities experienced violence, looting, and clashes with police.

During a press conference held Sunday morning, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez indicated that 780 people had been arrested nationwide, a 32% increase compared to a similar event last year. A total of 457 people were taken into custody.

The evening was also marked by several serious incidents in Paris. A 24-year-old man died in a scooter accident on the ring road near Porte Maillot. A 17-year-old was seriously injured in a knife fight in the 16th arrondissement. His condition remains critical. The minister also indicated that 57 police officers and gendarmes were injured during the public order operations.

Looting has been reported in about fifteen cities

According to the Ministry of the Interior, gatherings took place in numerous French towns and cities. In 71 towns and cities, the celebrations led to disturbances requiring police intervention. Around fifteen towns and cities were also affected by looting targeting businesses.

Laurent Nuñez praised the swift response of the police and gendarmes, emphasizing that their interventions had limited the extent of the damage. He assured that legal proceedings would now be initiated to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence.

When asked about the proposal to ban gatherings on the Champs-Élysées during future sporting events, the minister rejected the idea. According to him, such a measure would require too many resources, given that the area is already subject to significant security measures.

Laurent Nuñez believed that the situation had remained largely under control, while acknowledging the difficulties posed by the presence of groups who came to take advantage of the festivities to commit violence and damage.