Paris descends into chaos with 81 arrests after PSG's Champions League victory
An astounding 81 people have been arrested following violent clashes near Paris Saint-Germain's home ground as supporters gathered to watch their team in the Champions League final. In waves of violence across the World Heritage city, fires have broken out across Paris with vehicles set alight and missiles chucked at police.
Earlier, PSG fans had cheered on their team's opener against Inter Milan outside Parc des Princes, where a fanzone was established for those unable to make it to Munich for the match.
However, shocking footage on social media depicts chaotic scenes as police armed with batons clashed with rioting youths in the city, close to where thousands of fans had congregated. Roads surrounding the stadium were cordoned off to facilitate screening the game for fans, before chaos erupted on Saturday evening.
Several fires were ignited near the stadium and fire brigades were dispatched to multiple locations to tackle the blazes as disorder broke out.
Riot police charged at massive crowds of rioters as tensions escalated and tear gas was used to scatter the crowd near the stadium, reports the Daily Star. Elsewhere in the city, throngs were seen sprinting across the Ring Road in Paris, causing traffic disruption.
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 disturbing video on social media shows police officers dragging a man wearing a balaclava along the road as large crowds pelt them with missiles. Social media users reported seeing police also charging toward crowds on the Champs-Élysées, where another fanzone was located.
Local media have disclosed that the police detained at least 81 individuals. France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau took to social media, 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."
In anticipation of the event, Paris had prepared an "unprecedented festive and security program" to ensure the celebrations could be enjoyed safely before, during, and after kick-off. The festivities commenced on Friday night with the Eiffel Tower adorned in messages cheering on the local football squad.
Then on Saturday, starting from 8 pm, the iconic Iron Lady sparkled in PSG's red and blue hues for the duration of the match, lighting up for each goal bagged by the home team.
Parisians were catered with several fan zones and supersized screens across the city and suburbs, promising a communal viewing experience. The Hippodrome de Longchamp was transformed into the largest outdoor celebration space in France, boasting a colossal 30-metre diagonal LED screen complemented with an assortment of food trucks.
The Champs-Élysées turned into a fan zone and was closed off to vehicles from 7pm on the eve of the match. Paris' top cop, Laurent Nunez, had warned local news outlets that an impressive 5,400 police officers would stand guard in the French capital for the UEFA Champions League final.
And he hadn't dismissed the notion of scrapping the victory parade set for June 1 "in event of disorder" should PSG emerge triumphant in the final.
Chaos ensued as PSG demolished Inter Milan with a staggering 5-0 win in the prestigious clash, thanks to Hakimi, Kvaratskhelia, Mayulu's strikes and Doué's stunning double to snag their first European title.
This remarkable victory marked only the second time PSG reached the summit since Qatar's wealth transformed them into a juggernaut in the continental football scene.
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