Celebrations across France following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) emphatic 5-0 victory in the UEFA Champions League final turned tragic and chaotic overnight, with two people reported dead and over 550 arrested, according to France’s Interior Ministry.
The final, held on Saturday night, marked a historic milestone for PSG — their first-ever Champions League title — but jubilation quickly spiraled into violence, vandalism, and deadly incidents in cities including Paris and Dax.
Tragic Deaths in Paris and Dax
In Dax, a town in southwestern France, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in the chest during the post-match celebrations. Local media reported that the incident occurred late Saturday evening, and authorities have since launched an investigation into the attack. Dax mayor Julien Dubois expressed shock, calling it a “drama” that must be clarified urgently.
In central Paris, a 23-year-old man riding a scooter was killed after being hit by a car. The prosecutor’s office confirmed the death but has not yet determined whether the act was intentional.
Riots and Clashes with Police in the Capital
In Paris, particularly around the Champs-Élysées and the Parc des Princes stadium, wild scenes unfolded. Riot police were deployed to manage crowds that set off fireworks, torched cars, and smashed bus shelters. A total of 264 vehicles were set on fire and several stores were looted, including a Foot Locker outlet on the Champs-Élysées.
Authorities reported that 559 individuals were arrested, 491 of them in Paris alone. Twenty-two police officers and seven firefighters sustained injuries while trying to contain the unrest.
Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez stated, “This is just half time for us. PSG’s official parade will take place this evening, and we are expecting further tensions. There will be a very strong police and military presence.”
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Police Response and Security Measures
Around 5,400 police officers were deployed in anticipation of the post-match chaos. Police reports indicated that at least 300 individuals were detained for carrying fireworks or participating in acts of disorder. Tear gas and water cannons were used to disperse violent crowds attempting to reach the Arc de Triomphe.
“There are people who didn’t even watch the match but came just to commit vandalism,” said Nuñez. “We will not tolerate such actions. True PSG supporters must not be confused with gangs of looters and troublemakers.”
Isolated Incidents Across the Country
Outside Paris, violence was also reported in Grenoble, southeastern France, where a car ploughed into a group of PSG supporters. Four members of the same family were injured, with two in serious condition. Police later confirmed that the driver had turned himself in, and initial findings suggest the act was not premeditated.
A Nation Divided Over Celebration and Chaos
Despite the widespread violence, many fans across the country celebrated peacefully, dancing in the streets, waving flags, and honking car horns. The Eiffel Tower was lit in PSG’s red and blue, while chants of victory echoed throughout the city.
President Emmanuel Macron, a known supporter of Olympique de Marseille — PSG’s arch-rivals — congratulated the club, saying on X (formerly Twitter), “A glorious day for PSG! Bravo, we are all proud. Paris, the capital of Europe this evening.”
However, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau took a harder stance: “True PSG supporters are enjoying their team’s magnificent win. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets. This behavior is intolerable.”
Trophy Parade and Next Steps
The official PSG trophy parade is scheduled to begin at 17:00 local time on Sunday, running for an hour along the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. The team will then be received at the Élysée Palace and present the trophy to season ticket holders later at Parc des Princes.
Despite the overnight violence, the government and PSG remain committed to moving forward with the celebration, under heightened security.
Looking Ahead
While PSG’s dominant performance on the pitch has been widely celebrated, the aftermath has raised serious questions about public safety, crowd control, and the ability to hold large-scale celebrations in France’s urban centers. Authorities now face the difficult task of ensuring that future events remain joyful without descending into mayhem.
As investigations continue into the two deaths and the numerous incidents of vandalism, the spotlight remains not only on PSG’s historic win but also on the challenges of crowd management in the age of high-stakes sporting triumphs.
