Two dead, over 500 arrested, during PSG Champions League celebration

Reuters

More than 500 people were arrested and two fatalities reported following chaotic celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory, according to the interior ministry.

What began as jubilant nationwide celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) historic 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final on Saturday night quickly descended into chaos, with deadly consequences. French authorities confirmed on Sunday that two people died and a police officer was left in a coma after violent incidents erupted during street parties.

A 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in the southwestern city of Dax during a PSG celebration, while in Paris, a man on a scooter was killed after being struck by a car amid the festivities. Investigations into both deaths are ongoing, according to national police and the interior ministry.

In the town of Coutances, northwest France, a police officer suffered severe eye injuries after being accidentally struck by fireworks. The officer was placed in an artificial coma, officials said.

Though much of the country rejoiced peacefully, pockets of violence marred the night. By early Sunday, police had arrested 294 people nationwide, including 30 individuals who broke into a shoe store on the Champs-Élysées. Authorities reported that two vehicles were set ablaze near the Parc des Princes stadium.

Despite the unrest, thousands of fans gathered across French cities, including at the Place de la Bastille, where they danced, sang, and set off flares in a mostly festive atmosphere. Motorbikes revved through crowds circling the base of the column, and for a time, police presence in the area was minimal.

To preempt trouble, French officials had deployed 5,400 police officers in Paris and surrounding suburbs, particularly around the Champs-Élysées. At the top of the avenue near the Arc de Triomphe, riot police used water cannons to deter crowds attempting to break through security barriers.

PSG, who secured their first UEFA Champions League title in Munich, are expected to return to a hero’s welcome with a celebratory parade planned on the Champs-Élysées. However, the triumph has been overshadowed by the violence and loss that followed the historic win.

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