Hundreds of arrests have been made across France in the aftermath of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final victory over Arsenal.
The French ministry of the interior said there had been 416 arrests across France, with 283 in the Paris area, according to BFMTV, Sky News’ French partner.
Nearly 20,000 people were present on the Champs-Elysees at one stage during Saturday night’s celebrations, according to figures from the Paris police headquarters cited by the broadcaster.
Huge crowds massed along the avenues near the Arc de Triomphe, with some setting off flares and blaring car horns.
PSG called on fans to celebrate “with pride, responsibility and respect”.
A total of 22,000 police officers were mobilised in advance of the final in France, including 8,000 in the Paris metropolitan area.
Laurent Nunez, the French minister of interior, said disturbances had been “foreseen and anticipated”.
In an initial assessment of the violence overnight, Nunez said there had been 416 arrests, including 283 within the jurisdiction of the Paris police prefecture. Seven police officers were also injured in France, “one of them quite seriously,” he added.
Fans tried to storm police station during unrest
The Paris police prefecture said smaller groups caused problems in various locations. This included vandalising shops and starting fires, including setting cars alight, and one officer was injured.
A group also attempted to storm a police station in the well-off 8th Arrondissement neighbourhood, but were dispersed, police said.
By 10pm local time, 45 people had been arrested and large crowds gathered at other landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower.
The main road around Paris was briefly blockaded by a crowd before officers dispersed them too.
A bakery and restaurant were also damaged.
Officers contained around 1,000 people near PSG’s stadium in the 16th Arrondissement and cleared makeshift barricades formed from bicycles.
This isn’t the first time PSG fans have caused unrest after a triumph for the club.
In May last year, following PSG’s first Champions League title success, 201 people were injured in the French capital and police made more than 500 arrests across France.
Macron to welcome PSG players
PSG will celebrate their Champions League victory on Sunday after also clinching the Ligue 1 title.
They will host a public celebration on the Champ de Mars, in front of the Eiffel Tower, starting at 2pm local time.
PSG said: “The players will cross the Champ de Mars on a 450m-long stage and present the Champions League trophy to their fans. Between 85,000 and 90,000 people will be able to take part in this unique celebration in the heart of the capital. The gates will open at 2pm.”
Then, the players will be received by French President Emmanuel Macron, at the Elysee Palace.
Celebrations will continue at the Parc des Princes, PSG’s stadium, where fans and players will come together from 7.30pm local time.
