47 Arrested, Three Injured in Chaotic PSG Celebrations After Champions League Victory Over Arsenal
French authorities reported on Thursday that 47 people were arrested in Paris and three others were injured—one critically—after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Arsenal to reach the UEFA Champions League final.
The 2-1 victory on Wednesday night sent PSG fans into jubilant celebrations across the capital, as the club secured a place in the May 31 final, hoping to claim their first-ever Champions League title.
Amid the celebrations, a Mercedes vehicle plowed into a group of pedestrians near the iconic Champs-Elysees avenue. Police confirmed three individuals were injured in the crash, including a minor who is now in critical condition. The circumstances of the incident “remain unclear at this stage,” according to law enforcement.
The driver reportedly attempted to flee in the vehicle but was blocked by dense crowds of supporters. Both the driver and a passenger then abandoned the car and fled on foot, leaving the vehicle to be destroyed by the enraged crowd. Police said the car was set on fire and completely burned.
In addition to the vehicle destruction, rowdy groups of fans clashed with police, hurling objects at officers. Authorities confirmed that four vehicles were damaged during the unrest, and AFP journalists reported seeing at least two vehicles completely burned out near the Champs-Elysees.
More than 2,000 police and emergency personnel had been deployed in Paris for the high-stakes match, which occurred just before a national holiday commemorating the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
Although thousands of fans without tickets gathered outside the Parc des Princes stadium, police reported no major incidents at the venue itself and only intervened to manage traffic flow after celebrations escalated.
In a separate disturbance, police used tear gas in the nearby town of Fontainebleau to disperse a disorderly crowd of around 500 people.
