France witnessed widespread unrest overnight as celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s historic UEFA Champions League victory descended into chaos, leaving two people dead and hundreds arrested.
The French Interior Ministry confirmed that at least 559 individuals were taken into custody nationwide, including 491 in Paris alone, after violent outbreaks marred what was supposed to be a night of jubilation.
Among the fatalities was a 17-year-old boy who died after being stabbed in the chest in the southwestern town of Dax. In central Paris, a 23-year-old man was killed when his scooter was struck by a vehicle. The causes and circumstances surrounding both deaths are under investigation.
Across major French cities, celebrations turned violent as fans set off flares, torched cars, smashed bus shelters, and looted shops. In Paris, riot police clashed with groups of people near the Champs-Élysées and the Parc des Princes stadium.
Authorities said 264 vehicles were burned during the disturbances, while 22 police officers and seven firefighters were injured. A police statement described many of the offenders as troublemakers who had not watched the match but came out to incite violence and provoke law enforcement.
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Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñez vowed firm action against the lawbreakers while announcing that PSG’s victory parade would still proceed as planned. “True PSG fans should not be confused with these vandals. We will ensure safety for those who genuinely want to celebrate,” he said.
Additional violent incidents were reported outside the capital. In Grenoble, a car drove into a crowd of PSG supporters, injuring four members of the same family, two of whom were seriously hurt. The driver turned himself in and told authorities the act was not deliberate.
In central Paris, several stores, including a Foot Locker outlet near the Champs-Élysées, were looted. Roughly 30 suspects were detained in that area. Fireworks were hurled at riot police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons to prevent crowds from reaching landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, calling the perpetrators “barbarians” who exploited the moment to commit crimes under the guise of celebration. “It’s disgraceful that a minority can turn national pride into fear and disorder,” he said on social media.
Despite the unrest, many PSG fans celebrated peacefully, honking car horns and singing in the streets. The Eiffel Tower was lit in the club’s iconic red and blue, and French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the team, calling their 5–0 triumph over Inter Milan “a glorious day.”
The Champions League trophy parade will take place along the Champs-Élysées, culminating at the Arc de Triomphe, followed by a formal reception at the Élysée Palace and a trophy presentation at Parc des Princes.
Officials have pledged high-security measures throughout Sunday to prevent further disturbances and ensure that the city can properly celebrate its football heroes.
BBC
