Parisian chaos: two lives lost amidst PSG triumph
Rampage in Paris and Beyond After PSG's Triumph
On a heated night in June 2025, our beloved city--and several others--were turned upside down after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinched the Champions League title. The ensuing carnage, marked by two tragic deaths and over 500 arrests, left folks scratching their heads.
"What the hell's going on here?" exclaimed a bewildered fan, watching the chaotic scene unfold on the Champs-Élysées, even before the final whistle blew. Groups of yobs, masked up, squared off against the boys in blue, dousing them with water cannons in a matter of minutes.
Clashes Galore
Across Paris, close to 300 arrests, often brutal, were made. And wouldn't ya know it, these arrests left fans who came to join the party feeling downright disappointed. "We ain't with those troublemakers, we're here for the bash!" said a disheartened fan. Similar scenes played out in Nantes, Grenoble, and Dax.
Take a gander at the footage in the video above
A Closer Look
These riots weren't a spur-of-the-moment deal. Overwhelming celebrations led to more jubilant scenes initially, but things quickly went south when some fans lost control. Flares and fireworks--used to incite public disorder--contributed to the chaos, with reports of torched vehicles, smashed bus shelters, and attempted looting at shops like Chanel and Foot Locker. Riot police had to whip out the tear gas and water cannons to handle the unruly crowds, while over 5,000 officers patrolled Paris like hawks.
France's Interior Minister labeled the rioters as "barbarians," stating they hijacked the celebrations to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement. Despite the hard-hitting response, 192 people were injured, with two fatalities reported.
[1] Report from France's Interior Ministry[2] CNN article: "Violence Erupts in Paris after Champions League Win by Paris Saint-Germain"[3] BBC article: "France: Paris Riots After PSG Champions League Victory"
[1] The rampage in Paris after PSG's Champions League triumph extended beyond the city, with violent clashes occurring in Nantes, Grenoble, and Dax.[2] The French Interior Minister, speaking on the incident, referred to the rioters as "barbarians" who hijacked the celebrations to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement.[3] The sports-related celebrations escalated into a general-news and crime-and-justice story, as fans turned to vandalism and looting, affecting shops like Chanel and Foot Locker across the European leagues.
