Two die and several injured as widespread violence upsets PSG Champions League victory celebrations
Celebrations in France turned tragic as Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Saturday night was overshadowed by widespread violence, resulting in two deaths, hundreds of arrests and numerous injuries.
The French Interior Ministry reported that 559 individuals were arrested nationwide, with 491 detentions in Paris alone. The unrest was most intense along the Champs-Elysees and near the Parc des Princes stadium, where jubilant fans clashed with police, leading to the deployment of tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Tragically, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed, and a man in his 20s died in a scooter accident in Paris amidst the chaos. Additionally, a police officer in another location suffered severe eye injuries from fireworks and was placed in an induced coma.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, saying: “True PSG fans are getting excited about their team’s magnificent performance. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement.
“It is unbearable that it is not possible to party without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”
Despite the disturbances, PSG’s victory celebrations are set to continue, with President Emmanuel Macron scheduled to host the team at the Elysee Palace on Sunday.
A victory parade along the Champs-Elysees is also planned, with heightened security measures in place to prevent further incidents.
