Violent celebrations turned deadly in Paris after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) claimed their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, with two people killed and over 400 arrested during riots that erupted in the French capital. The clashes occurred late Saturday and into early Sunday, tarnishing what was supposed to be a historic moment for French football.
According to police and emergency services, chaos broke out in multiple parts of Paris shortly after PSG’s 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the final held in London. Celebrations in the city’s central areas quickly escalated into violent confrontations between fans and security forces.
France’s Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed that two people were killed in separate incidents during the unrest. One person reportedly died after falling from a building while attempting to climb during celebrations, while the other fatality occurred in a stabbing incident in northern Paris. Authorities have launched investigations into both deaths.
Police said a total of 427 people were arrested across the capital. Most arrests were linked to vandalism, looting, and attacking law enforcement. Several vehicles were set ablaze, storefronts were smashed, and public property was damaged in various districts, particularly around the Champs-Élysées and the Parc des Princes stadium.
Over 200 injuries were reported, including dozens of police officers and emergency responders. Hospitals in Paris said they treated a range of injuries, from minor bruises to serious wounds sustained in stampedes and altercations.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as groups of rowdy supporters clashed with riot police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. Social media footage showed groups throwing projectiles and fireworks at police barricades.
“We had prepared for a big celebration, but the situation quickly deteriorated,” said Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez. “We deployed over 5,000 officers across the city, but the violence was unpredictable and spread rapidly.”
Local authorities and PSG officials had urged fans before the match to celebrate peacefully, setting up fan zones and increasing security across the city. However, those efforts were overwhelmed by the scale of the unrest.
The violence has drawn sharp criticism from government officials. President Emmanuel Macron, while congratulating PSG on their historic win, condemned the destruction. “There is no place for this kind of violence in our society. Celebrations must not come at the cost of lives and public safety,” Macron said in a statement.
PSG’s management also released a statement expressing sorrow over the casualties and urging supporters to celebrate responsibly. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred in Paris following our Champions League victory. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims,” the club said.
PSG’s win marked a historic milestone as the club lifted Europe’s most prestigious trophy for the first time. Thousands of fans gathered in central Paris to watch the match, and initial celebrations were marked by joy and jubilation.
But for many Parisians, the night turned into one of fear and disruption. Several metro stations were temporarily closed, and public transport services were delayed or suspended. Clean-up crews were deployed early Sunday morning to assess the damage and restore order.
The French government has called for an urgent review of crowd control strategies, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Officials emphasized the need to balance celebration with public order as the city prepares to host global sporting events.
The unrest has left a somber tone over PSG’s historic win, with calls for reflection on how to manage large-scale public celebrations in the future while ensuring safety and respect for public space.
Source; Al Jazeera
