- PSG Champions League celebrations in Paris turned violent.
- Dozens detained, police station stormed, widespread vandalism.
- Over 400 people taken into custody by Paris police.
Paris police detained dozens of people after violence disrupted celebrations late Saturday of Paris Saint-Germain's second Champions League title win, and a group tried to storm a police station in the French capital. Fans began celebrating in Paris after the final whistle earlier in the evening in Budapest, Hungary, where PSG won by beating Arsenal on penalties in a dramatic final.
What happened during celebrations in Paris?
Fans marched along the avenues near the Arc de Triomphe, with some setting off flares and blaring car horns. Around 20,000 people gathered on the Champs-Élysées, with police working to contain the crowd.
(Paris St Germain fans set off flares as they celebrate on the streets of Paris after winning the UEFA Champions League | CREDIT: REUTERS)
The Champs Élysées boulevard, which authorities had partially cordoned off, was filling with mostly peaceful PSG fans, TV footage showed, with police estimating the crowd size at 20,000. Some supporters let off fireworks and lit flares.
The Paris police prefecture said smaller groups caused disturbances in various locations, with some vandalising shops and setting fires. Cars were also set ablaze. One police officer was injured. Those who attempted to storm a police station in the posh 8th Arrondissement neighbourhood were dispersed, police said.
Over 400 arrested
It said that by 11 p.m., over 400 people were taken into custody. The main ring road surrounding Paris was briefly blockaded by a crowd before police dispersed it. Police also said one bakery and a restaurant were damaged.
(Paris St Germain fans set off flares as they celebrate on the streets of Paris after winning the UEFA Champions League | CREDIT: REUTERS)
Officers also contained about 1,000 people gathered near the PSG stadium in the 16th Arrondissement and cleared barricades made from bicycles.
In May last year, following PSG's first title, when 201 people were injured in the French capital and police made more than 500 arrests across France, Paris was on high alert, with 8,000 police officers deployed across the city.
(With inputs from agencies)
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