PSG's title celebrations marred by fan violence

Tear gas fills the air during clashes between fans and police as several thousand supporters gathered to celebrate with Paris Saint-Germain soccer players who received the French Championship trophy in Paris, May 13, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

PARIS - The celebrations to honor Paris Saint-Germain's first French league title in 19 years were cut short Monday following violent scenes in which fans fought with riot police, leaving 30 people injured and leading to 21 arrests.

Paris police commissioner Bernard Boucault said three police officers were among the injured from the clashes, which have dealt a serious blow to the club's bid to restore its image following years of fan violence.

"Today should have been a day of celebration for the city of Paris," PSG said in a statement late Monday. "The party was spoiled by a few hundred troublemakers who have nothing to do with football."

Fans gesture as they face riot Gendarmes in front of the Eiffel Tower during clashes between fans and police as several thousand supporters celebrated with Paris Saint-Germain soccer players who received the French Championship trophy in Paris, May 13, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

A total of 800 officers were deployed to contain the supporters, Boucault said, but they took several hours to bring a situation under control that included the smashing of store and car windows near the Champs Elysees.

"The conclusion you can draw is that there won't be more anymore events like this in a public place for Paris Saint-Germain," Boucault said.

French Sports Minister Valerie Fourneyron said "PSG fans and players are the first victims of a minority" of troublemakers.

The Interior Ministry condemned a minority of fans from "the Ultras movement" and a "group of young hooligans" who they say provoked the incidents.

However, this is not the first time police authorities have been caught out this season. Prior to PSG's Champions League home match against Dinamo Zagreb in November, about 100 hooligans from PSG and Dinamo clashed in the highly populated Bastille area the night before the game - even though there was already a decree in place banning the opposition fans from attending the game. That led to 28 arrests.

The website of sports daily L'Equipe mirrored the despondent mood Monday, with a headline reading "Quand La Fete Tourne Au Fiasco" (When The Celebration Turns to Fiasco).

Tens of thousands of fans waited patiently for the players, who arrived more than an hour late at Trocadero plaza. Dressed smartly in dark suits, the players - David Beckham among them - drew loud cheers from the fans. Some in the crowd stood on rooftops, lit flares and climbed scaffolding.

But there was not even time for a speech from coach Carlo Ancelotti or captain Thiago Silva, who held the trophy aloft with defensive partner Mamadou Sakho. After only a few minutes, the players were led away by security officials.

"All the members of the club, the players and the directors, express to all of these loyal and passionate fans their heartfelt regret that today's title presentation ceremony had to be cut short," PSG said.