Violent unrest broke out in Paris, France, following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) historic Champions League final victory in Munich, Germany. The chaos has left two people dead, over 560 arrested, and more than 190 injured, according to France’s Interior Ministry.
Deadly Clashes and Widespread Arrests
Among the casualties, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during a street celebration in the city of Dax, while another man in his 20s died in a scooter crash involving a car during festivities. The police made 559 arrests across France, with 491 occurring in Paris alone.
Widespread Fires and Injuries
Authorities reported 692 fires, with 264 involving vehicles, as rioters clashed with police and emergency crews. At least 30 police officers were injured, and one officer is in critical condition after being struck by a firework. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the rioters as “barbarians.”
Tear Gas and Looting in Champs-Élysées
Police deployed 5,400 officers across the capital, especially in hotspots like Champs-Élysées, where they used tear gas and crowd-control grenades to manage unruly crowds. One group of around 30 people reportedly broke into a footwear store, while four businesses, including a car dealership and barber shop, were targeted.
Two vehicles were torched near Parc des Princes, PSG’s home stadium, adding to the damage caused across the city.
Interior Ministry Condemns Violence
In a statement, Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñez revealed that police were targeted with fireworks and that firefighters responding to blazes were physically attacked.
The unrest overshadowed PSG’s momentous win, raising serious concerns about public safety and the need for stronger crowd control during major sporting celebrations.