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Hundreds of arrests have been made across France following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final win over Arsenal.
France’s interior ministry said 416 people were arrested across France, with 283 in the Paris area. BFMTV, Sky News’ French partner.
Around 20,000 people attended the Champs-Élysées at one point during Saturday night’s celebrations, according to figures from Paris police headquarters cited by the broadcaster.
Huge crowds gather in the streets near the Arc de Triomphe, some with flares and honking of car horns.
PSG called on fans to celebrate “with pride, responsibility and respect”.
A total of 22,000 police officers were mobilized ahead of the final in France, including 8,000 in the Paris metropolitan area.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the riots were “foreseen and expected”.
In an initial assessment of the violence overnight, Nunez said 416 people had been arrested, 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.
During the unrest, the fans tried to attack the police station
The Paris police prefecture said small gangs caused problems in several locations. These included shop vandalism and arson, cars being set on fire and an officer injured.
Police said a group attempted to attack a police station in the 8th arrondissement neighborhood, but were dispersed.
By 10pm local time, 45 people had been arrested and large crowds had gathered at other landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower.
The main road around Paris was briefly blocked by the crowd before officers dispersed them.
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 made of bicycles.
This is not the first time PSG fans have been in turmoil following a club victory.
In May last year, after 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 will welcome PSG players
PSG will celebrate their Champions League win on Sunday after winning the Ligue 1 title.
They will hold a public celebration on the Champ de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower 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. Gates will open at 2pm.”
Afterwards, French President Emmanuel Macron will welcome the players at the Elysee Palace.
Celebrations will continue at the Parc des Princes, PSG’s stadium, where fans and players will gather from 7.30pm local time.
