France detains 780 after PSG Champions League win sparks unrest

Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph over Arsenal sent fans flooding into French streets Saturday, triggering clashes that prompted authorities to detain 780 people across about 15 cities by Sunday.

The unrest — which wounded 57 officers and landed 277 people in formal custody — underscores a recurring challenge for European governments trying to contain post-victory disorder after major football events.

PSG defeated Arsenal on penalties in the Champions League final in Budapest, Hungary, sending crowds into the streets across France. About 20,000 fans gathered on the Champs-Élysées alone, according to The Korea Times, as some set fires to garbage and self-service bicycles, vandalized shops and lit cars ablaze near Parc des Princes stadium.

Of the 780 people detained nationwide, 480 were held in and around Paris. Authorities formally placed 277 in police custody, including 82 minors. Most charges involved assaulting police officers, along with theft, vandalism and disturbing the public order.

A car rammed into a restaurant terrace during the unrest, wounding two people, one seriously. Police intervened five times to prevent crowds from blocking major thoroughfares through the capital.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said at a Sunday news conference that "the situation has been largely brought under control." He also said "most of the celebrations took place peacefully," even as disorder spread to roughly 15 French cities and left 57 officers with mostly minor injuries.

PSG's squad was scheduled to be received by President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée palace in recognition of the title, The Korea Times reported.

Planned public celebrations at Champ de Mars were set to proceed Sunday with a heavy police deployment, as authorities worked to ensure the post-match festivities did not again spiral into disorder.