Celebrations over Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph took a tragic turn across France, leaving two people dead and more than 500 arrested during a chaotic night of unrest.
What started as joyful street gatherings following PSG’s 5–0 win over Inter Milan quickly descended into violence and disorder in several cities, most notably Paris. For many, the night that was meant to celebrate football glory turned into one marked by fire, fear, and tragedy.
Tragedy Amid the Cheers
In Paris, a 23-year-old man lost his life after crashing his scooter into a car while racing through the streets during the celebrations. The second death occurred in the southwestern town of Dax, where a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during what authorities described as a confrontation between rival groups that had gathered in the area to celebrate.
The violence didn’t stop there. Nearly 200 people were injured during the night, including police officers and firefighters. Emergency services reported being overwhelmed as fireworks were shot into crowds and projectiles thrown at first responders. Some injuries were serious, though no further fatalities have been reported.
Violence Erupts in Paris and Beyond
The heart of the unrest was in Paris, especially around the Champs-Élysées and near Parc des Princes, PSG’s home stadium. Fans poured into the streets waving flags, lighting flares, and chanting, but it wasn’t long before the mood shifted.
Rioters vandalized storefronts, smashed bus shelters, and set vehicles ablaze. Authorities reported more than 200 cars burned and nearly 700 fires set during the night. Many of the city’s iconic streets were left littered with debris by morning.
Police responded in full force, deploying tear gas, water cannons, and tactical units in an attempt to regain control. Over 5,000 officers had been deployed across Paris in anticipation of potential disturbances, but the scale and intensity of the unrest caught many by surprise.
In total, more than 500 people were arrested nationwide, with nearly 500 of those arrests taking place in the capital alone.
Police and Officials Respond
Laurent Nuñez, Paris’s police chief, spoke out strongly against the violence, saying the majority of those arrested were not legitimate football fans but troublemakers who used the event as an excuse to riot.
“These individuals came not to celebrate, but to provoke chaos,” he said during a press briefing the following morning.
France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau echoed that sentiment, calling the violence “a disgrace to the sport and the country.” President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, condemning the unrest and promising that those responsible would face legal consequences.
PSG’s Celebration Moves Forward — Under Tight Security
Despite the turmoil, PSG moved ahead with a victory parade the following day. Thousands of fans returned to the Champs-Élysées to see their team celebrate, though this time with a much stronger security presence. Police lined the streets and helicopters hovered overhead to monitor the crowd.
The club also held a ceremony at the Parc des Princes to mark the occasion. In a statement, PSG said it was “deeply saddened” by the violence and emphasized that the actions of a few did not represent the spirit of the majority of its fans.
“Our victory should bring people together,” the club said, “not tear cities apart.”
A Night That Should Have Been About Football
For many in France, the night will be remembered not for PSG’s historic win, but for the chaos that followed. While most fans came out to show support for their team and share in a moment of national pride, the events that unfolded have sparked debates about public safety, crowd control, and the darker side of large-scale celebrations.
It’s a stark reminder that even moments of collective joy can turn dangerous — and that managing the balance between celebration and safety remains a challenge for cities across the world.
