Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) emphatic 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday night( May 31) was a historic moment for the club. However, the celebrations across France turned tragic, resulting in two deaths, nearly 560 arrests, and widespread unrest.
The deadly celebration
In Paris, a 23-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a car while riding a scooter. In the southwestern city of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during the festivities. Authorities are investigating both incidents to determine their connections to the celebrations.
The French interior ministry reported 559 arrests nationwide, with 491 in Paris alone. Of those detained in the capital, 254 were placed in custody. The unrest led to 192 injuries, including 22 police officers and seven firefighters. Additionally, 692 fires were recorded, with over 200 vehicles burned.
Also read: Paris Saint-Germain clinches first Champions League Title over star-studded Inter Milan
On the Champs-Élysées, thousands of fans gathered to celebrate. However, the jubilant atmosphere turned chaotic as bus shelters were smashed, fireworks were thrown at riot police, and projectiles were hurled. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Authorities condemn the attack
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, stating, "True PSG supporters are getting excited watching their team’s magnificent match. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement."
Honoring the victory
Despite the turmoil, PSG proceeded with their victory celebrations on Sunday. The team was welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace before parading down the Champs-Élysées and celebrating with fans at the Parc des Princes stadium. Attendance was capped at just over 100,000 to ensure safety.
PSG’s first Champions League title
The victory marked PSG's first Champions League title and the largest margin in a European Cup final. Nineteen-year-old Désiré Doué was named Man of the Match after scoring twice and providing an assist. Senny Mayulu, another young talent, added the final goal, becoming the youngest Frenchman to score in a UEFA club competition final.
Head coach Luis Enrique dedicated the win to his late daughter, Xana, who passed away from cancer in 2019. Wearing a black T-shirt bearing her name, Enrique's emotional tribute resonated with fans, many of whom honored Xana with a tifo depicting her watching her father plant a PSG flag.
The deadly celebration
In Paris, a 23-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a car while riding a scooter. In the southwestern city of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during the festivities. Authorities are investigating both incidents to determine their connections to the celebrations.
The French interior ministry reported 559 arrests nationwide, with 491 in Paris alone. Of those detained in the capital, 254 were placed in custody. The unrest led to 192 injuries, including 22 police officers and seven firefighters. Additionally, 692 fires were recorded, with over 200 vehicles burned.
Also read: Paris Saint-Germain clinches first Champions League Title over star-studded Inter Milan
On the Champs-Élysées, thousands of fans gathered to celebrate. However, the jubilant atmosphere turned chaotic as bus shelters were smashed, fireworks were thrown at riot police, and projectiles were hurled. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Authorities condemn the attack
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, stating, "True PSG supporters are getting excited watching their team’s magnificent match. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement."
Honoring the victory
Despite the turmoil, PSG proceeded with their victory celebrations on Sunday. The team was welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace before parading down the Champs-Élysées and celebrating with fans at the Parc des Princes stadium. Attendance was capped at just over 100,000 to ensure safety.
PSG’s first Champions League title
The victory marked PSG's first Champions League title and the largest margin in a European Cup final. Nineteen-year-old Désiré Doué was named Man of the Match after scoring twice and providing an assist. Senny Mayulu, another young talent, added the final goal, becoming the youngest Frenchman to score in a UEFA club competition final.
Head coach Luis Enrique dedicated the win to his late daughter, Xana, who passed away from cancer in 2019. Wearing a black T-shirt bearing her name, Enrique's emotional tribute resonated with fans, many of whom honored Xana with a tifo depicting her watching her father plant a PSG flag.
