Hundreds of football fans have been arrested in France overnight following Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Arsenal in the Champions League final.
Clashes between supporters and police led to more than 400 people being detained amid wild celebrations in Paris as authorities looked to curb the unrest.
Fireworks and flares were set off, while officers fired tear gas to disperse crowds in the city centre. Several police officers were injured in the clashes.
It comes after Luis Enrique’s men overcame the Gunners on penalties to triumph in Europe’s elite club competition for the second successive season and become only the second team to retain the title in the Champions League era.
The disruption mirrors similar scenes in the French capital 12 months ago after the Parisians lifted the trophy following a 5-0 demolition of Inter – celebrations which turned deadly.
France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said authorities had a “very robust, very solid system in place” but called the unrest “absolutely unacceptable”.
France ‘can no linger stand these scenes’
In a social media post on Saturday evening, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen condemned the violence.
“Only in France does the victory of a football club spark riots,” she wrote.
“Only in France does everyone feel compelled to lock themselves in their homes on a night of victory to avoid being confronted with violence.
“The French can no longer stand these scenes of chaos that multiply at the slightest pretext, and this, despite an extraordinary security apparatus.
“Support for our police officers, our gendarmes, our firefighters, and all those mobilised this evening to ensure the safety of the French.”
The PSG players are due to take part in a victory parade on Sunday afternoon, which includes a reception held by French President Emmanuel Macron.
After PSG’s victory, Macron, who is yet to publicly comment on the unrest, congratulated the team for “making all of Europe proud”.
He wrote: “A new star shines over Paris! Bravo to PSG for making all of Europe dream. France is proud.”
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