Tragedy struck amidst jubilant celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Champions League victory. The French interior ministry reported two fatalities and hundreds of arrests in connection with the post-match festivities.
In Dax, southwestern France, a 17-year-old succumbed to a stabbing, according to local media. Separately, a 23-year-old scooter rider in central Paris died after a collision with a vehicle, as confirmed by the prosecutor’s office.
Celebrations escalated into widespread unrest, marked by the discharge of flares and fireworks, destruction of bus shelters, and torched vehicles. PSG issued a statement condemning the violence, emphasizing that such actions contradict the club’s values and do not reflect the majority of its supporters.
President Emmanuel Macron denounced the clashes as “unacceptable” and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. Despite the unrest, the team’s victory parade proceeded on Sunday, enhanced by a significant police and military presence, with a cap of 100,000 attendees. The parade proceeded down the Champs-Élysées.
A subsequent commemoration event at the Parc des Princes stadium drew thousands of fans. The interior ministry reported 192 injuries, 559 arrests (491 in Paris alone), 264 vehicles set ablaze, and injuries to 22 police officers and seven firefighters, including one officer critically injured by a firework requiring an induced coma. President Macron noted this officer had traveled from another city to assist in policing efforts.
Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez stated that while the casualty toll was lower than in previous incidents, a firm response to vandalism remains necessary, distinguishing between genuine supporters and perpetrators of violence and looting. The Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed looting incidents, with arrests made near the Champs-Élysées. In Dax, the mayor expressed grief over the fatal stabbing and urged swift justice.
While significant disorder occurred near the Champs-Élysées and Parc des Princes, many celebrated peacefully. The Eiffel Tower was illuminated in PSG’s colors. President Macron, despite supporting a rival team, congratulated PSG on social media and hosted a celebratory ceremony at the Élysée Palace. Approximately 5,400 police officers were deployed in Paris. Police attributed the unrest to troublemakers seeking to instigate incidents and using fireworks and projectiles against officers. Water cannons and tear gas were used to manage crowds, and clashes occurred on the Paris ring road.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, distinguishing between genuine supporters and the “barbarians” responsible for the criminal acts. Furthermore, police reported an incident in Grenoble where a car struck PSG fans, injuring four from the same family, two seriously. The driver was arrested, though the investigation suggests it may not have been intentional.
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