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PSG's Champions League celebrations in France turn violent with injuries, arrests, looting, and clashes overshadowing the historic victory.
Celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) historic Champions League victory turned tragic Saturday night, leaving two dead and hundreds arrested across France, according to the French Interior Ministry.
A 17-year-old boy died from a stab wound to the chest in Dax, a town in southwestern France, local media reported. In central Paris, a 23-year-old man on a scooter was fatally struck by a vehicle, according to the prosecutor's office.
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While many fans celebrated peacefully, singing, dancing, and honking car horns, others engaged in violence and vandalism. Flares and fireworks were ignited, bus shelters shattered, and cars set ablaze. The Eiffel Tower was lit in PSG's blue and red colors, but the joyous atmosphere was marred by widespread disorder.
Celebrations Erupt into Violence Across Paris and Beyond
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The Interior Ministry reported 192 injuries and 559 arrests, including 491 in Paris. Among the injured were 22 police officers and seven firefighters. Authorities also reported 264 vehicles were torched.
Dax Mayor Julien Dubois expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "Our thoughts are with the young victim, his family, and friends. We are floored by all the drama tonight. It is crucial to shed light on these facts quickly and severely punish the perpetrator."
The Paris Prosecutor's Office told the BBC that two police officers were injured by projectiles thrown at Place des Ternes, and "several shops were looted" in the same area. Around 30 arrests were made near a Foot Locker on the Champs-Élysées following a robbery.
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Clashes erupted near the Champs-Élysées and PSG's Parc des Princes stadium. Police deployed a water cannon to prevent a crowd from reaching the Arc de Triomphe and used tear gas to disperse crowds.
Further clashes occurred on the Paris ring road, and at least two cars were burned near the Parc des Princes.
French President Emmanuel Macron, a known supporter of rival club Olympique de Marseille, congratulated PSG on X (formerly Twitter): "A glorious day for PSG! Bravo, we are all proud. Paris, the capital of Europe this evening."
Approximately 5,400 police officers were deployed across Paris in anticipation of the celebrations. Paris police stated that at least 300 detainees were suspected of possessing fireworks and causing disorder.
Authorities Report Widespread Damage and Hundreds of Arrests
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Police reported that "troublemakers on the Champs-Elysees were looking to create incidents and repeatedly confronted police by throwing large fireworks and other objects."
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Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence on social media: "True PSG supporters are enjoying their team's magnificent match. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke the police. It's unbearable that it's unthinkable to party without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing."
Outside of Paris, in Grenoble, a car plowed into a group of PSG fans, injuring four members of the same family, two seriously. The driver surrendered to police and was arrested. A source close to the investigation told AFP news agency that the incident appeared unintentional.
The PSG team will hold a victory parade on the Champs-Élysées on Sunday, where tens of thousands of supporters are expected to greet the returning champions. President Macron's office announced he will host the team on Sunday to offer his congratulations.
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