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Violence erupts in Paris after PSG advances to Champions League final
Celebrations turned destructive in the French capital late Wednesday after Paris Saint-Germain secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League final, prompting condemnation from Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.
Arrests and injuries reported
Police detained 127 individuals across the Paris region, including 107 within the city limits, following clashes that marred the team's 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich. Authorities confirmed 11 civilians were injured, one critically, while 23 officers sustained minor wounds.
Nuñez told French radio Europe 1 that rioters targeted police and attempted to loot businesses. An effort to block the city's ring road, the périphérique, was thwarted by law enforcement.
Destruction across central Paris
Dozens of trash bins and several vehicles were set ablaze, and police deployed tear gas near the Parc des Princes stadium to disperse crowds. Photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand shared footage of his vandalized outdoor exhibition in Place de la Concorde, where display panels were overturned and images destroyed.
Officials clash over fan zone plans
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, who watched the match with hundreds of fans-including children-at City Hall, expressed hope for a large celebration ahead of the 30 May final in Budapest. However, Nuñez criticized the proposal as "unilateral" and warned of potential unrest during the match against Arsenal.
"No disturbances will be tolerated. There will always be a very firm response," Nuñez stated.
Pattern of post-match violence
Wednesday's unrest was less severe than last year's riots after PSG's Champions League final victory over Inter Milan, which resulted in hundreds of arrests and two fatalities in France. Nuñez noted that a mortar firework caused the serious injury reported this week.
Over 5,000 officers were deployed for last season's final, with the Parc des Princes converted into a fan zone. Despite precautions, clashes still occurred near the stadium.
