Nearly 800 people were arrested in Paris after clashes between PSG fans and police following the Champions League final, with 219 people injured including 57 police officers.
The violence erupted after Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at the Stade de France on Saturday evening. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said more than 700 people were arrested over the violence across the country. In shocking scenes, a lone Arsenal fan on a bicycle was mobbed and roughed up by a jeering group of PSG supporters.
“Nearly 800 arrested and 219 injured in Paris after Champions League final violence; lone Arsenal fan attacked.”
The arrests and injuries have raised serious questions about policing and fan safety at major football events. The French authorities had deployed thousands of officers but were unable to prevent the disorder. The injured include 57 police officers, according to reports.
For British fans, the violence is a stark reminder of the risks of attending overseas matches. Arsenal fans were particularly targeted in the incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media. The UK Foreign Office is expected to update its travel advice for France in light of the disorder.
French officials have condemned the violence. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed the scale of the arrests and said investigations were ongoing. No firm timeline has been given for prosecutions or for any review of policing at future finals.
What This Means For You
If you are planning to travel to France for football matches, be aware of the risk of crowd disorder. Check Foreign Office travel advice before you go. Avoid wearing rival team colours in areas where local fans are celebrating. Keep away from large groups of supporters and follow police instructions.