Chaos ensues as two perish and 559 are detained during riotous PSG triumph celebrations within French borders
In the heart of France, jubilant celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) triumph in the Champions League final transformed into chaos, resulting in more than 500 arrests and two confirmed deaths. What initially started as a vibrant display of support for the Parisian team, turned into raucous riots, widespread destruction, and violent clashes with police.
The trampling of peace began as ecstatic fans took to the streets, lighting flares, firing fireworks, and waving scarves. In some areas, the party turned sour, as bus shelters were smashed, projectiles hurled at riot police, and cars torched. The interior ministry reported hundreds of fires, including over 260 vehicles set ablaze, and extensive property damage.
As the celebrations spiraled out of control, 192 people sustained injuries, including 22 officers and seven firefighters. Tragically, a 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Dax, and a 23-year-old man was hit by a car during the celebrations in Paris.
The capital city, Paris, was the epicenter of the violence, with 491 arrests made. Authorities responded with unwavering determination, deploying over 5,400 police officers to maintain order amid the festivities. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called for a zero-tolerance approach, stating, "Barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke the police."
Despite the chaos, many fans still reveled in PSG's first-ever Champions League victory, capitalizing on a 5-0 drubbing of Inter Milan. Landmarks like the Eiffel Tower even bathed in blue and red, the team's colors, to celebrate their historic win.
While the evening's events displayed the passionate spirit of PSG supporters, they also highlighted the challenges of managing large, emotionally charged public gatherings. As French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted, "A glorious day for PSG! Bravo, we are all proud. Paris, the capital of Europe this evening."
- The jubilant general-news of PSG's Champions League victory resulted in crime-and-justice issues, as chaotic celebrations led to more than 500 arrests and two confirmed deaths in Paris.
- The sports event, a football match in the European Leagues between PSG and Inter Milan, ended with a 5-0 triumph for PSG, but the subsequent celebrations deteriorated into violent clashes, property damage, and significant fires in the city.
- Amidst the chaos, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the passion of the supporters, tweeting that it was a glorious day for PSG, while expressing concerns about managing large, emotionally charged public gatherings leading to crime-and-justice issues.
