Update
There were skirmishes between football fans and riot police in several places in Paris surrounding the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal. Things became particularly restless around the stadium of the Parisian club PSG, the Parc des Princes in Boulogne-Billancourt. In total, at least 130 arrests have been made.
Supporters who wanted to enter the stadium set up barricades for some time, including stacked bicycles. The match was shown on a screen in the stadium for the 48,000 people with tickets.
Later, bonfires were lit, police clashed with rioters and tear gas was used. The unrest started before PSG won the match, which was played in Budapest, on penalties. PSG managed to win the Champions League for the second time in a row.
Fireworks
The victory in Budapest caused the crowds already gathered to erupt in many places. In the center of Paris, especially on the Champs-Élysées, large groups of predominantly young people ran around, throwing fireworks and setting fires, among other things.
According to police, around 20,000 fans gathered on the famous boulevard. The French BFMTV reports that rioters set off fireworks there and the police responded with flash grenades and tear gas. A bus stop at the Champs-Élysées, among other things, was damaged.
Shops also suffered, although many shops on the Champs-Élysées had boarded up their windows in advance to prevent damage. Last year, PSG’s victory in the Champions League also led to violence.
French media report that it was festive in many places in Paris, although many fireworks were set off and traffic was at a standstill in many places. Rioters have also taken to the ring road around the city center, causing traffic disruptions and police intervention. In a number of places, officers were pelted with fireworks; the police also confiscated about a hundred fireworks bombs.
As far as we know, the police have arrested many people on suspicion of violent crimes. Two police officers are said to have been injured in the riots.
Bus transport stopped
The Paris region also stopped public bus transport on Saturday evening. The crowds make it impossible for staff and travelers to drive safely.
About a hundred thousand people are expected in Paris on Sunday afternoon for PSG’s tribute.
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