Following Paris Saint-Germain's historic 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan, celebrations in Paris turned chaotic, resulting in nearly 300 arrests and confrontations with police amid widespread jubilation.
Paris Erupts in Celebrations and Chaos After PSG's Historic Champions League Win
Paris Erupts in Celebrations and Chaos After PSG's Historic Champions League Win
Clashes with police overshadow PSG's monumental victory celebration, leading to hundreds of arrests amidst a night of jubilation turned disorder.
Hundreds of fans took to the streets of Paris on Friday night following Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) landmark victory in the Champions League final, celebrating their triumphant 5-0 win over Inter Milan. However, what began as jubilant festivities quickly escalated into chaos, as clashes erupted with law enforcement, leading to nearly 300 arrests.
The unrest unfolded near the iconic Champs-Elysees and the PSG's Parc des Princes, where large crowds had gathered to watch the match on expansive screens. Revelers lit fireworks and flares in celebration, while some engaged in vandalism, smashing bus shelters and setting cars ablaze.
Though the majority of PSG supporters celebrated joyfully—singing, dancing, and honking their car horns in unison—the violence drew a strong police response, with approximately 5,400 officers deployed across the city in anticipation of the festivities.
Authorities reported that most of those arrested were detained for possessing fireworks and participating in disorderly conduct. Paris police described the troublemakers on the Champs-Elysees as confrontational, often clashing with officers, leading to the use of water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Amid the pandemonium, social media captured scenes of chaos, with footage suggesting attempts to breach high-end retail stores along the Champs-Elysees, including well-known brands like Chanel.
Echoing concerns over public safety, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence online, stating, "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."
In a separate incident outside of Paris, police reported that a car drove into a group of PSG fans in Grenoble, injuring four individuals from the same family, two of them seriously. The driver, who surrendered to authorities, is believed to not have acted with intent.
Looking ahead, PSG’s celebration continues with a victory parade scheduled for Sunday on the Champs-Elysees, where thousands of fans are expected to gather to celebrate their team’s remarkable achievements. French President Emmanuel Macron, an Olympique de Marseille supporter, expressed pride in the team's triumph, stating, "A glorious day for PSG! Bravo, we are all proud. Paris, the capital of Europe this evening."
