The chaotic clashes forced local cafes to shut off their televisions, leaving hundreds of nearby tourists caught in the crossfire near major landmarks like the Louvre and Notre Dame.

20:03, Sat, May 30, 2026 Updated: 20:50, Sat, May 30, 2026

Paris

Riot police charge PSG fans in Paris (Image: NC)

Riots erupted in central Paris on Saturday as thousands of fans gathered to watch the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, won by PSG after a penalty shootout. The violence flared up just six minutes into the match after Arsenal scored the opening goal, prompting local PSG fans to launch chairs and bottles at the police.

In response, around 5,000 deployment officers used tear gas and baton charges to control the hostile crowds near the Rue de Rivoli and the Parc des Princes stadium. The chaotic clashes forced local cafes to shut off their televisions, leaving hundreds of nearby tourists caught in the crossfire near major landmarks like the Louvre and Notre Dame.

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L'ambiance reste tendue aux abords du Parc des Princes entre les supporters du Paris Saint-Germain et les forces de l’ordre, alors que la seconde période de la prolongation de la finale de LDC vient de débuter. pic.twitter.com/eQyAeLfvvM

— CLPRESS / Agence de presse (@CLPRESSFR) May 30, 2026

Shopfronts across downtown Paris had already been heavily boarded up ahead of kick-off amid widespread fears of subsequent looting and civil unrest.

Footage circulating on social media after the result showed large numbers of jubilant PSG supporters, some carrying lit flares.

One clip showed multiple fans riding on the sides of a lorry before being tackled by police.

On the pitch, PSG suffered an early setback in the form of a 6th-minute goal by Kai Havertz - but equalised thanks to an Ousmane Dembele penalty midway through the second half.

Intervention de la police aux abords du Parc des Princes pour disperser les supporters du PSG après la victoire du Paris Saint-Germain en finale de LDC.#PSGARS pic.twitter.com/krXvIVcj6T

— CLPRESS / Agence de presse (@CLPRESSFR) May 30, 2026

Despite enjoying 75% possession and recording 21 shots to Arsenal's seven, PSG were unable to find a way past David Raya again until the shootout, which they won 4-3.

Arsenal defender Gabriel was inconsolable after taking blazing the final spotkick over the bar.

The defeat is Arsenal's second in the Champions League final, having been beaten by Barcelona in 2006.

They have never won Europe's top competition.