A shocking outbreak of violence near Paris Saint-Germain’s home stadium resulted in at least 81 arrests as French fans gathered to watch their team in the Champions League final.
Earlier, PSG fans had celebrated their team’s opening goal against Inter Milan outside Parc des Princes, where a fanzone had been established for those unable to attend the match in Munich.
However, disturbing footage on social media revealed chaotic scenes as police armed with batons clashed with rioting youths near the area where thousands of fans had congregated.
Roads surrounding the stadium were cordoned off to facilitate the screening of the game for fans before disturbances erupted on Saturday evening. Several fires were ignited near the stadium and fire services were dispatched to multiple locations to combat the blazes as chaos ensued.
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 thrown and the crowds clashed with the police. Reports from the local press indicated that the police had detained no fewer than 81 individuals following disturbances.
One alarming social media video shows police officers dragging a man wearing a balaclava along the road as large crowds hurl objects at them. Social media users reported seeing police also charging towards crowds on the Champs-Élysées, where another fanzone was located.
France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau took to social media to condemn the chaos unfolding, 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.”
The French capital had laid on an “unprecedented festive and security program” to guarantee the event could be celebrated safely before, during, and after the match commenced. The anticipation for the final ramped up on Friday night when the Eiffel Tower was adorned with supportive messages for the hometown club.
Come Saturday night, the world-famous monument was bathed in PSG’s red and blue hues for the duration of the game, celebrating each goal the team hammered home.
A multitude of fan gatherings and larger-than-life broadcasts were prepared across Paris and its periphery. The largest outdoor bash in France stole the spotlight at the Hippodrome de Longchamp, complete with an enormous 30-metre diagonal LED display and a fleet of food trucks.
In addition to the fanzone at the stadium, Paris’ iconic Champs-Élysées was shut down to vehicles from 7pm on Saturday in anticipation of the UEFA Champions League final. Paris police chief Laurent Nunez had previously informed the press that a substantial force of 5,400 officers would be stationed throughout the city for the event.
Nunez also mentioned that he wouldn’t dismiss the idea of cancelling the victory parade set for June 1 “in event of disorder” should PSG emerge victorious in the final.
However, chaos ensued as PSG demolished Inter Milan with an emphatic 5-0 victory in the prestigious match, featuring goals from Hakimi, Kvaratskhelia, Mayulu, and a stunning double from Doué, securing their maiden European championship.
This triumph marked only the second time PSG reached the final since the Qatari takeover transformed them into a powerhouse of European football.