Two people were killed and over 500 were taken into custody across France as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans celebrated the club’s Champions League win. A 17-year-old boy was killed in town of Dax, as he was stabbed in the chest late Saturday, according to the local media. In a separate incident, a 23-year-old man riding a scooter in central Paris was hit by a car and died, the Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed, reported BBC.
How did PSG celebrations turn violent in Paris?
After PSG’s historic 5–0 win over Inter Milan, large crowds lit flares and fireworks, damaged bus stops, and set vehicles on fire. Some celebrations turned chaotic, especially near the Champs-Élysées and PSG’s stadium, Parc des Princes, the report said.
The club released a statement saying the violent acts do not reflect the values of PSG or the majority of their supporters.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the violence could not be justified and promised that those responsible would be punished. Despite the unrest, PSG held a victory parade in Paris on Sunday, with heavy police and military presence. About 100,000 fans gathered as the team paraded down the Champs-Elysees in an open-top bus.
Hundreds Injured and Arrested across France
France’s interior ministry said that early Sunday’s clashes left 192 people injured, and a total of 559 individuals were arrested, including 491 in Paris.
Twenty-two police officers and seven firefighters were among the injured. One officer was seriously hurt by a firework and put into a medically induced coma. Macron later said that officer had been brought in from another city to help with security. In total, 264 vehicles were burned.
Paris police reported that multiple stores were looted during the unrest, including a Foot Locker close to the Champs-Elysees. Around 300 people were initially taken into custody near the location, according to BBC News.
The report further added that the riot police used tear gas and water cannons to control the crowd and stop people from reaching the Arc de Triomphe. Clashes also took place on the Paris ring road, and as per BBC, at least two cars were set on fire near Parc des Princes.
Police say many were not real PSG fans
Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez told BBC that the violence was less than in past years but still troubling. He blamed groups who came only to cause trouble, not to watch the match. He added that real supporters should not be confused with vandals and looters.
Around 5,400 police officers were deployed in Paris to manage the celebrations. Around 300 people were arrested for causing disorder or carrying fireworks, the BBC report said. Police said some individuals on the Champs-Élysées deliberately provoked officers by throwing fireworks and other objects.
Family Injured in Grenoble Car Crash
Outside Paris, in Grenoble, a car drove into a group of PSG fans, injuring four people from the same family. Two were seriously hurt. The driver later turned himself in to police and was arrested. Investigators believe the crash was not intentional, according to AFP, reported by BBC News.
While there was violence in some places, many fans celebrated peacefully—singing, dancing, and honking car horns. The Eiffel Tower lit up in PSG’s blue and red colors. President Macron, a fan of PSG’s rival club Marseille, congratulated PSG on social media and later hosted the team at the Élysée Palace.