Two people have died and more than 500 have been arrested across France following wild celebrations after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their first-ever Champions League title, the French interior ministry has confirmed.
The violence erupted late on Saturday following PSG’s 5-0 victory over Inter Milan, as thousands took to the streets in celebration.
Fatal Incidents in Dax and Paris
In Dax, a town in south-west France, a 17-year-old boy died after being stabbed in the chest, according to local media reports.
Meanwhile in Paris, a 23-year-old man riding a scooter was fatally struck by a vehicle, the prosecutor’s office said.
Authorities have not confirmed whether either incident was directly linked to the football celebrations.
Over 550 Arrested, 192 Injured in Night of Clashes
Across the country, 559 people were arrested, including 491 in Paris, and 192 people were injured, the interior ministry reported. Among the injured were 22 police officers and seven firefighters.
At least 264 vehicles were torched, and dozens of shops were looted, including a Foot Locker near the Champs-Élysées, where 30 suspects were taken into custody.
Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez said the violence was lower than previous events but still unacceptable.
“We will never get used to this kind of abuse… PSG supporters shouldn’t be mixed up with gangs of looters and vandals,” he said.
Riot Police and Water Cannons Deployed in Paris
Clashes occurred around the Arc de Triomphe, the Parc des Princes, and the Paris ring road, with riot police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent crowds.
At least 5,400 officers were deployed across the capital. Police said many of the detained individuals were found carrying fireworks or other dangerous objects.
“Troublemakers on the Champs-Élysées were looking to create incidents,” police said in a statement.
Reactions from Officials and Witnesses
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence:
“True PSG supporters are enjoying their team’s magnificent match. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes… It’s unbearable.”
In Grenoble, four PSG fans from the same family were injured when a car ploughed into a crowd. Two were seriously hurt. The driver later handed himself in and was arrested. Police do not believe the act was intentional.
In Dax, Mayor Julien Dubois expressed sorrow over the fatal stabbing:
“We are floored by all the drama tonight… It is advisable to quickly shed light on these facts in order to severely punish the perpetrator.”
PSG Trophy Parade to Go Ahead Amid Tight Security
Despite the unrest, PSG’s official trophy parade is set to take place at 17:00 local time (16:00 BST) on Sunday, running from the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. A heightened police and military presence is expected.
Following the parade, players and staff will be received at the Élysée Palace, before presenting the trophy to season ticket holders at the Parc des Princes later in the evening.
A Night of Mixed Scenes
While violence marred some parts of the capital, the majority of fans celebrated peacefully, waving flags, sounding horns, and lighting up the Eiffel Tower in PSG’s red and blue colours.
President Emmanuel Macron, a supporter of rivals Olympique de Marseille, posted on social media:
“A glorious day for PSG! Bravo, we are all proud. Paris, the capital of Europe this evening.”