French security forces have arrested more than 300 people in various areas of the country following incidents that followed Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) victory over Arsenal in the Champions League final, a night of celebrations that ended up leading to numerous disturbances, especially in the capital.
By midnight, 336 arrests had been registered throughout French territory, of which 235 were in Paris. Hours earlier, authorities had reported 326 detentions nationwide, according to the latest report released by the Paris Police Prefecture and cited by media such as "Le Parisien" or "Le Monde".
Thousands of supporters took to the streets to celebrate the Parisian club's triumph over Arsenal in the final played in Budapest, although some of these gatherings degenerated into violent episodes and property damage. Up to 20,000 people gathered on the Champs-Élysées, while the Police implemented various measures to control the massive public presence. Large crowds also gathered in the Barbès and Strasbourg-Saint-Denis neighborhoods.
Throughout the night, one police officer was injured, a kiosk was set ablaze, and several vehicles suffered significant damage. Additionally, several groups attempted to approach a police station in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, but were dispersed by law enforcement.
Authorities also reported a brief occupation of the ring road at Porte Maillot, where dozens of people stormed the road before being evicted. Around the Parc des Princes, nearly a thousand fans were contained by the Police after the removal of improvised barricades.
The Prefecture also indicated that, as part of the security measures, 24 flares and around a hundred firecrackers and pyrotechnic mortars were seized.
Vandalism against several shops and street furniture was also reported in various parts of the capital.
The incidents were not confined solely to Paris. Authorities reported altercations in other French cities, including Grenoble and Toulouse. In Grenoble, pyrotechnic devices were thrown and shop windows of several establishments were damaged.
Faced with the possibility of disturbances, the Ministry of the Interior had preemptively deployed 22,000 police officers and gendarmes throughout the country, including approximately 8,000 officers in Paris and its metropolitan area.
"Our responsibility is to guarantee a peaceful and completely safe public celebration for everyone," the Police Prefecture had previously stated, insisting on its instructions of "responsiveness, commitment, and firmness."