Paris The celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League victory on Saturday night quickly devolved into chaos and violence across France, resulting in two deaths, hundreds of arrests, and widespread damage.
While many fans took to the streets to celebrate peacefully with singing, dancing, and honking car horns, others engaged in destructive behavior, overshadowing the joyous occasion. Incidents of vandalism, looting, and clashes with police were reported throughout Paris and beyond.
A 17-year-old boy died from a stab wound in Dax, a southwestern town, marking one of the deadliest incidents during the celebrations. In central Paris, a 23-year-old man on a scooter was fatally struck by a vehicle in what authorities described as a tragic accident.
Despite the dark turn of events, landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower were lit up in PSG’s signature blue and red colors to honor the team’s unprecedented 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final a scoreline never before seen in a final match. However, the celebratory atmosphere was marred by widespread disorder across the country.
In Paris, the police faced numerous confrontations with unruly crowds. According to official reports, 559 people were arrested nationwide, with 491 of those arrests occurring in the capital alone. Authorities also confirmed 192 injuries, including 22 police officers and seven firefighters hurt in the unrest. Approximately 264 vehicles were set on fire during the chaos.
Violence erupted in several key areas, including the Champs-Élysées, Place des Ternes, and near PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium. Police deployed water cannons and tear gas in efforts to disperse the most aggressive groups and prevent crowds from reaching sensitive locations such as the Arc de Triomphe.
Looting was reported in central Paris, with shops along the Champs-Élysées targeted. Around 30 people were arrested near a Foot Locker store following a robbery. Police described the troublemakers as individuals intent on provoking law enforcement and causing destruction, often hurling fireworks and other objects at officers.
The mayor of Dax expressed deep sorrow over the stabbing death of the teenager and called for swift justice against those responsible, emphasizing the need to understand and address the causes of such violence during what should have been a celebratory moment.
The Interior Minister publicly condemned the violence, distinguishing between genuine PSG supporters, who were enjoying the victory responsibly, and a violent minority who took advantage of the occasion to commit crimes and attack police. The minister lamented the difficulty of celebrating safely amid such savagery.
Further violence was reported outside of Paris. In Grenoble, a vehicle plowed into a group of PSG fans, injuring four members of the same family, two of them seriously. Authorities indicated that the driver surrendered and that the incident appeared accidental.
In anticipation of the celebrations, authorities had deployed around 5,400 police officers throughout Paris to maintain order. Still, the scale and intensity of the unrest overwhelmed efforts to keep the peace.
French President Emmanuel Macron, a well-known supporter of rival club Olympique de Marseille, congratulated PSG publicly, calling the victory “a glorious day” for the club and expressing pride in the capital city’s achievement. He announced plans to host the PSG team on Sunday to formally congratulate them.
Despite the tragedy and violence, PSG will proceed with a victory parade along the Champs-Élysées on Sunday, where tens of thousands of fans are expected to line the streets to greet the champions.
As the city prepares for the parade, law enforcement officials and local leaders face pressure to prevent a repeat of Saturday night’s violence and ensure that the celebrations can continue safely and peacefully. The events have sparked renewed discussions on how to balance the passion and excitement of sports victories with the need for public safety and order.
