Paris, France – The celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory turned violent over the weekend, leaving two people dead and hundreds arrested in cities across France, according to the French Interior Ministry.
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| Cop Firing Tear Gas During PSG’s Champions League Deadly Violence |
While PSG fans filled the streets to celebrate the club’s first-ever Champions League title, chaos erupted in several locations, including Paris and Dax, overshadowing the football club's 5-0 win over Inter Milan.
Tragedy Amid the Triumph: Two Dead in Post-Match Unrest
In the southwestern town of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed, according to local media sources. Separately, a 23-year-old man lost his life after his scooter was struck by a vehicle in central Paris. Authorities have launched investigations into both incidents.
Mass Unrest and Vandalism in Paris
The French capital saw widespread disturbances, particularly near the Champs-Élysées and the Parc des Princes stadium. Riotous celebrations led to:
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Over 550 arrests, including 491 in Paris alone
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192 reported injuries, with 22 police officers and 7 firefighters among the wounded
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264 vehicles torched across various locations
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Shops looted, including a Foot Locker store on the Champs-Élysées
One officer was critically injured by a firework and placed in a medically induced coma after traveling to assist with crowd control from another city.
Despite the unrest, PSG’s victory parade continued as planned on Sunday, with tight security measures in place. Authorities capped the crowd at 100,000 fans, as players traveled in an open-top bus from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
Government and Club Responses
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, calling it “unacceptable and unjustifiable,” and vowed those responsible would face consequences.
PSG released a statement denouncing the acts of vandalism, emphasizing that such behavior does not reflect the values of the club or its loyal fan base.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau posted a strong message on social media, saying:
“While true PSG fans are celebrating their team’s stunning performance, lawless thugs have hijacked the moment to commit crimes. It’s outrageous that joy turns to fear because of a violent minority.”
Heavy Police Deployment and Future Concerns
Ahead of the celebrations, around 5,400 officers were deployed across Paris. Riot police utilized water cannons and tear gas to disperse unruly crowds near the Arc de Triomphe and along the city’s ring road. Authorities reported that many detained individuals were carrying fireworks and other items used in attacks.
Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñez stated that while the scale of violence was lower than previous events, the actions of those who came “solely to cause destruction” were intolerable and would be met with a firm legal response.
Incidents Outside Paris: Grenoble Hit-and-Run
In Grenoble, southeastern France, a vehicle plowed into PSG fans, injuring four members of the same family, two of whom are in serious condition. The driver later surrendered and was taken into custody. Preliminary investigations suggest the incident was not premeditated.
Celebrations Continue Despite Isolated Violence
While some pockets of chaos marred the festivities, most PSG fans celebrated peacefully, waving flags, honking car horns, and chanting in jubilation. The Eiffel Tower was lit in PSG’s iconic red and blue colors to honor the moment.
President Macron, known for his support of rival club Olympique de Marseille, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“A magnificent day for PSG! Congratulations—we’re proud. Tonight, Paris is the capital of European football.”
The French president later hosted PSG’s team and coaching staff at the Élysée Palace, congratulating head coach Luis Enrique and the players for their landmark achievement.
Conclusion: A Night of Contrasts for French Football
While Paris Saint-Germain’s victory in the Champions League final marked a historic high point for the club and French football, the tragic incidents and lawlessness that followed served as a stark reminder of the challenges of managing mass public celebrations.
Authorities continue to investigate the violence and urge fans to celebrate responsibly, as the nation reflects on a night of both glory and grief.
Key Points:
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PSG Champions League win
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Paris celebration violence
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PSG parade Champs-Élysées
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PSG fan riots 2025
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Dax stabbing PSG celebration
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French police PSG unrest
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Paris unrest football victory
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PSG Inter Milan final score
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Macron PSG reaction
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Foot Locker looting Paris
