The atmosphere in Paris grew tense as the final whistle of the Champions League match between PSG and Arsenal approached. By late afternoon, the first arrests were already being reported near Porte de Saint-Cloud and along the iconic Champs-Élysées. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez was present on-site, overseeing the security arrangements deployed by the Paris police prefecture.
As the match progressed into the second half, crowd disturbances began to escalate. Reports from the scene indicated tense confrontations between law enforcement and groups of individuals in the vicinity of Châtelet and the Parc des Princes. Tear gas was deployed to disperse unruly crowds, while projectiles were thrown at police near the Champs-Élysées.
Security measures and early arrests
Before the match concluded, authorities had already carried out 1,579 identity checks, resulting in 64 fines. Twenty individuals were taken into custody, with ten formally placed under arrest. Among the items seized were 24 torches and two mortars, while an unmanned bus shelter on Avenue de la Boétie, close to the Champs-Élysées, was vandalized.
Chaos near Parc des Princes
Near the stadium, approximately 150 supporters attempted to force their way through an entrance, but police intervention swiftly restored order. Meanwhile, in the 16th arrondissement, mortar fire was heard sporadically along Avenue Kléber, and in the 18th arrondissement, groups wearing balaclavas and carrying iron bars were observed moving through the streets, though no immediate violent acts were reported at that time.
By 7:30 PM, the situation had stabilized, though tensions lingered. Authorities confirmed the deployment of tear gas in multiple locations to prevent further escalation. The final tally of arrests and incidents underscored the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public order during high-profile sporting events.
