How Arsenal Became a Beloved Football Club Across Africa
Following Paris Saint-Germain's victory over Arsenal in the Champions League final, the French capital experienced a mixture of jubilation and unrest.
Thousands of PSG supporters took to the streets to celebrate, waving flags, setting off flares and fireworks, and climbing scaffolding in central areas.Celebrations turned violent in several locations, with riot police deploying tear gas and making baton charges to contain aggressive crowds.By the end of the evening, 39 individuals had been arrested, with 1,600 people stopped and searched.Incidents were reported near the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées, Montmartre, and outside bars and cafés where large screens were showing the match.Some vehicles were set alight, and public spaces were vandalised.
Meanwhile, Arsenal supporters outside the Emirates Stadium reacted with both jubilation for early goals and disappointment after their team lost on penalties.French authorities had deployed some 5,000 police and gendarmes to manage the crowds and prevent further chaos.
The unrest highlights the continuing problem of football-related violence in France, as well as the intense passion surrounding European football finals.