PSG’s Champions League Glory Marred by Deadly Riots
Paris Saint-Germain’s stunning 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan should have sparked city-wide joy. Instead, France faced a nightmare night. Celebrations descended into chaos, leaving two dead, 192 injured, and 559 arrests, the French Interior Ministry revealed.
Tragedy Strikes After PSG’s Big Win
What began as a football fiesta turned fatal. A 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Dax. Meanwhile, in Paris, a 23-year-old man on a scooter was killed in a hit-and-run amid post-match mayhem. Authorities are now probing both shocking incidents.
PSG slammed the violence in an official statement:
“These isolated acts are contrary to the club’s values and in no way represent the vast majority of our supporters.”
Despite the unrest, the club pressed on. On Sunday, PSG’s trophy parade rolled on under tight police watch. Tens of thousands packed the Champs-Élysées, cheering wildly as the Eiffel Tower glowed blue and red. The squad took their Champions League trophy from the Arc de Triomphe to Parc des Princes in an open-top bus celebration.
Riot Police Battle Flames and Looters
As night fell, rioters ran rampant. They set 264 cars ablaze, smashed countless shop windows, and let off large fireworks across Paris and other cities. 5,400 police officers were deployed, clashing with mobs and using water cannons and tear gas to stop attempts to storm landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe.
Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez blasted the troublemakers:
“We will never get used to this kind of abuse. Many arrested hadn’t even watched the match—they just came to wreck.”
Emergency Crews Under Attack
Among the injured were 22 police officers and 7 firefighters. One officer was critically hurt by a firework blast and placed in an induced coma. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the assaults:
“Attacking emergency personnel is unacceptable and will be punished.”
In Grenoble, a car crashed into a crowd of PSG fans, injuring four family members. Police believe the crash was accidental; the driver has surrendered and is cooperating.
Government Condemns ‘Barbaric’ Violence
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau didn’t mince words, calling the vandals “barbarians” and adding:
“It’s unbearable to want to party without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”
Looting was rife. A Foot Locker on the Champs-Élysées was hit hard, with 30 suspects arrested amidst the chaos.
Peaceful Fans Still Celebrate PSG Glory
Despite hotspots of turmoil, most fans kept it festive—dancing in the streets, waving flags, and honking horns. Macron, a lifelong Olympique de Marseille fan, praised PSG’s triumph:
“A glorious day for PSG… Paris, the capital of Europe this evening.”
