The night of 30 to 31 May 2026 passed into history as one of the most chaotic after a club triumph in France. After Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal in the Champions League final (1:1, 4:3 in penalty kicks), the cheering celebration of fans quickly turned into real street riots.
Mass vandalism occurred in Paris on the Champs Elysées, around the Arc de Triomphe and around Parc des Princes. Fan groups (and not only) set fire to cars, Lime city bikes, containers and dumpsters. Stores were looted, sites were minted, and firecrackers and rations flew towards the police. There have even been attempts to storm police stations.
According to the French authorities throughout the country were detained more than 400-800 people (depending on the source), including over 280 only in the Paris region. Several officers were injured, including one in serious condition. Police used tear gas and anti-terrorism units. Before the match, as many as 22,000 officers were prepared, fearing such scenes.
Similar incidents have also occurred in other cities, including Rennes, Clermont-Ferrand and Strasbourg.
This is not the first time that the victory of the PSG or the representation of France ends with such images. Many commentators in France openly talk about the problem of "ultrases", lack of discipline and wider social problems, which sometimes explode on the occasion of major sporting events.
French media and politicians have already begun the debate, who and why was unable to control the situation despite the huge police force.
