The 8th arrondissement city hall has issued a strongly worded statement demanding a complete ban on all gatherings on the Champs-Élysées. The move follows violent clashes that turned the iconic avenue into a battleground after PSG’s triumph over Arsenal.

In a Sunday morning press release, officials described how the avenue and its surrounding areas “shifted from a celebration space to an urban warfare zone”. The statement emphasized that “celebrating a match without descending into riots is now impossible”, calling for an end to all public gatherings on what is considered one of the world’s most famous boulevards.

“Public powerlessness” in the face of chaos

Catherine Lécuyer, the mayor of the 8th arrondissement, painted a grim picture of the aftermath. She condemned the widespread violence against law enforcement, including mortar fire at police and residential buildings, burning of vehicles and trash bins, and looting. “We no longer manage these outbursts; we suffer them,” she declared. “The prevention strategy has reached its limits.”

Lécuyer criticized the shift in tactics by organized groups who no longer disguise their actions under the guise of fandom. She warned that without stricter measures, a deadly incident could occur. “We are not containing chaos—we are extracting it,” she stated.

“Despite the exemplary professionalism of law enforcement, the ‘zero damage’ strategy has failed. We urge the State to adopt a new approach: banning high-risk gatherings. Let’s move to ‘zero gatherings’ to protect the Champs-Élysées.”

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged that the unrest aligned with anticipated scenarios. Authorities mobilized 8,000 police and gendarmes, resulting in 283 arrests across Paris and its surrounding regions.

Despite the chaos, the planned victory parade for PSG and their Champions League trophy remains scheduled. Fans are expected to gather at the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower starting at 4:00 PM on Sunday.