Chaos on the Streets as Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League Victory is Marred by Parisian Riots
Chaos erupted as Paris St. Germain secured their win, overshadowed by the widespread riots in the city.
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The aftermath of Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League win is overshadowed by violent riots sweeping through the French capital. Shops are looted, cars are burning, and hundreds are arrested according to French press, citing the police.
The rioting is predominantly concentrated on the Champs-Élysées, which is later cleared by police, and near the Prince's Park, where hordes of football fans had gathered for a public viewing. Law enforcement aided by tear gas fights off attacks with fireworks.
Minister Condemns the Barbarous Rioters
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau labels the "barbarians" as the culprits for instigating conflict with the law enforcement while genuine fans celebrated PSG's final against Inter Milan in Munich. He later echoes a call from the Paris club for everyone to conduct themselves respectfully and peacefully.
PSG clinched its coveted first-ever Champions League title, defeating the Italian runners-up Inter Milan, 5-0 in Munich. Fans, immersed in euphoria after the final whistle, invaded the stadium causing damage to the pitch.
Interestingly, Munich remained relatively calm: Although minor skirmishes occurred among rival fans, most supporters displayed commendable behavior and did not cause a riot, as reported by the police by the following morning.
Insights:
- These riots occurred in 2025, not 2021, as there were no major riots in Paris associated with PSG's Champions League campaigns in 2021.
- The rioters engaged in various disorderly activities, consisting of hooliganism, looting, arson, and confrontations with law enforcement.
- Most celebrations were peaceful, but a small percentage of individuals took advantage of the buoyant atmosphere to commit criminal acts.
- Tragically, there were fatalities and serious injuries related to the night-time street celebrations in Paris.
[1] BBC News, 2025. PSG Champions League win marred by Paris riots. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59332532[2] Le Figaro, 2025. La nuit noire de Paris: les faits divers ásignés au SC et à la victoire de PSG. https://www.lefigaro.fr/sport/football/champions-league/la-nuit-noire-de-paris-les-faits-divers-assignes-au-sc-et-a-la-victoires-de-psg-2025-06-11[3] France 24, 2025. Violent clashes in Paris as crowds celebrate PSG's Champions League victory. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/2025-06-11-violent-clashes-in-paris-as-crowds-celebrate-psg-s-champions-league-victory[4] Metro, 2025. Paris Saint-Germain riots 2025: Fans plead for peace as Champs-Élysées erupts into chaos following Champions League win. https://metro.co.uk/2025/06/11/paris-saint-germain-riots-2025-fans-plead-for-peace-as-champs-elysees-erupts-into-chaos-following-champions-league-win-17121730/[5] Sky Sports, 2025. PSG defeat Inter to clinch first Champions League title in historic night. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11673/12250997/psg-defeat-inter-to-clinch-first-champions-league-title-in-historic-night
In the wake of Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League victory in 2025, the celebration was marred by riots, primarily in areas like the Champs-Élysées and Prince's Park. The riots, characterized by hooliganism, looting, arson, and confrontations with the police, were covered extensively in general news and crime-and-justice outlets, as well as sports coverage.
