Conflicts Erupt in Paris Following PSG's Historic Victory in the Champions League
The French capital erupted in chaos after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinched their maiden Champions League title, following a stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich. With flares ignited and fireworks flying, trouble brewed on the Champs-Elysées. Bracing themselves, a hefty 5,400 police officers went on the offensive, deploying tear gas and pepper spray to quell the uproar in Paris' iconic boulevard.
However, the robust police presence was not enough to deter the rioters. As demonstrators attempted to blanket the police line, a powerful water cannon was deployed to protect the Place de l'Etoile, with the Arc de Triomphe a stone's throw away. The clashes left 131 arrestees in their wake, including 30 who broke into a shoe shop on the Champs-Elysées, and two cars that were reduced to ashes near Parc des Princes.
The tumultuous atmosphere took center stage after PSG's star striker, Ousmane Dembele, appealed for calm in a post-match interview with Canal+. "Let's celebrate this but not tear everything up in Paris," he urged. The call for restraint was echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who commended PSG's achievement on social media, "Bravo, we are all proud. Paris, the capital of Europe this evening."
Despite the turmoil, the victorious players basked in the glory, with Desire Doue, the 19-year-old who scored two goals, expressing an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards the city. "I don't have words," he said, "But what I can say is, 'Thank you Paris,' we did it."
Trouble ensued as fans stormed the field at the Allianz Arena after the final whistle, only to be thwarted by a line of police officers. Emotions ran high as the players paraded their newly-acquired trophy, leaving some fans desperate for a taste of the action, leading to further clashes.
Following the rowdy celebrations, Macron's office announced that the president would honor the team with a visit at the Elysee Palace on Sunday. Fans, undeterred by the chaos, eagerly awaited the players' triumphant return down the Champs Elysées.
More on Champions League
- While the trophy presentation was underway in Munich, a merchandise stand at Manchester City's stadium went up in flames[1].
- In an effort to ensure the integrity of their picks, UEFA has assured that their AI-driven Champions League draw process is immune to cyber attacks[2].
- A Champions League pitch invader capitalized on the chaos, serving a brief sentence after a prank that reportedly netted the Belarusian vlogger an impressive £250,000[3].
Related Topics:
- Champions League
- Football
- Paris
[1] Guardian. (n.d.). French champions PSG confirm riot police fired tear gas as fans celebrate victory in Paris. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/may/29/french-champions-psg-confirm-riot-police-fired-tear-gas-as-fans-celebrate-victory-in-paris[2] Reuters. (n.d.). Champions League final: UEFA says new draw system cannot be hacked. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-uefa-championsleague-idUSKCN1ST1WA[3] Daily Mail. (n.d.). '£20,000 Belarusian YouTuber who invaded the pitch during the Champions League final': Arrested prankster, 22, faced a court hearing in Germany before being freed in a laughter-filled session. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-9080097/Belarusian-vlogger-invaded-Champions-League-final-court-hearing.html
The chaotic celebrations after Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Champions League win spread beyond the soccer field, as a merchandise stand at Manchester City's stadium also caught fire. In the heart of Paris, fans of the champions-league winning team expressed their joy and enthusiasm in European leagues, resulting in clashes with authorities.
