Paris Saint-Germain’s historic 5-0 Champions League victory over Inter Milan has been overshadowed by scenes of widespread chaos across France, resulting in two deaths, 192 injuries, and 559 arrests, according to the French Interior Ministry.
Fatal Celebrations: Violence Follows PSG’s Victory Parade
What should have been a night of celebration turned deadly late Saturday, as a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in Dax, while in central Paris, a 23-year-old man on a scooter died after being struck by a vehicle during the post-match unrest. The French prosecutor’s office is investigating both incidents.
PSG, celebrating their first-ever Champions League triumph, condemned the disorder in a statement, saying:
“We will never get used to this kind of abuse... many of those arrested didn’t even watch the match and came only to commit acts of vandalism.”
Emergency Services Caught in the Crossfire
Among the 192 people injured were 22 police officers and 7 firefighters. One officer suffered severe injuries from a firework blast and was placed into an induced coma. President Emmanuel Macron, while congratulating PSG’s win, said such attacks on emergency personnel were “unacceptable and will be punished.”
In Grenoble, four members of the same family were injured when a car drove into a crowd of PSG fans. Police believe the crash was accidental. The driver has surrendered and is cooperating with authorities.
Government Condemns “Barbaric” Violence
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau took to X (formerly Twitter), calling the perpetrators “barbarians” and stating:
“It’s unbearable that it’s unthinkable to party without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed looting incidents at several businesses, including a Foot Locker store on the Champs-Élysées, where 30 suspects were arrested.
Calm Amid the Chaos: Majority Celebrate Peacefully
While chaos erupted in several hotspots, the majority of fans marked the club’s landmark win peacefully—dancing in the streets, waving flags, and sounding car horns in joy. Macron, an Olympique de Marseille supporter, acknowledged PSG’s triumph, calling it:
“A glorious day for PSG… Paris, the capital of Europe this evening.”
