Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Paris St Germain fans in Paris watch the Final - Parc des Princes, Paris, France - May 30, 2026 A Paris St Germain fan and police clash in the streets REUTERS/Abdul Saboor
The tension escalated in Paris on Saturday afternoon as security forces took action against unruly crowds gathered for the Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal. A series of incidents unfolded in the vicinity of the Parc des Princes stadium, where the match was being broadcast, prompting immediate police response.
According to interior ministry sources, multiple arrests were made near the Porte de Saint-Cloud area and along the iconic Champs-Élysées. The situation deteriorated further as the evening progressed, with law enforcement deploying tear gas to disperse crowds in several locations.
Security deployment and early confrontations
The authorities had heightened security measures across the city, with officials inspecting the Champs-Élysées deployment plan in person. By late afternoon, disturbances had already been reported in multiple districts. The upper section of the famed avenue was cordoned off, yet some disappointed PSG supporters gathered at the lower end to watch the match on their mobile devices.
Clashes between protesters and police erupted shortly after, resulting in damage to a bus shelter and the first wave of arrests. Reports indicated that several mortar rounds were fired in scattered incidents, particularly on avenue Kléber in the 16th arrondissement. In the 18th arrondissement, groups of hooded individuals carrying metal bars were observed, though no violent acts had been recorded at that stage.
Escalation during the match
As the final entered its second half, crowd movements intensified around Châtelet and the Parc des Princes. Eyewitnesses confirmed that law enforcement responded with tear gas to maintain order and prevent unauthorized entry into restricted zones.
A coordinated attempt by around 150 individuals to force their way into the stadium was swiftly countered by police, restoring calm within minutes. Meanwhile, the situation remained volatile in other parts of the city, with projectiles being thrown at security personnel near the Champs-Élysées gathering, where an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people had congregated.
Arrests and seizures by evening
By 7:30 PM, police had conducted 1,579 identity checks, issuing 64 fines. A total of 20 individuals were detained, with 10 placed in custody. Authorities also reported the seizure of 24 torches and two mortars, in addition to the damaged bus shelter on avenue de la Boétie, just steps from the Champs-Élysées.
The police emphasized that their swift intervention prevented further escalation, though the night remained tense as sporadic disturbances continued to be reported across the capital.
