Tragedy Strikes Amid PSG Victory Celebrations in France

Following Paris Saint-Germain’s decisive Champions League victory, France witnessed widespread celebrations turned violent, resulting in two deaths and hundreds of arrests. While many fans joyfully celebrated, clashes broke out, leading to severe injuries and vandalism.

Following the historic triumph of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League final, France found itself reeling from tragic incidents that have overshadowed the much-anticipated celebration. Two individuals lost their lives, and authorities reported over 500 arrests nationwide as fans fervently commemorated the club's momentous achievement.

In the southwestern town of Dax, a tragic stabbing incident claimed the life of a 17-year-old boy late Saturday night. Meanwhile, a 23-year-old man on a scooter in central Paris was killed after being struck by a vehicle, as detailed by the prosecutor's office. The festive atmosphere quickly soured, as flares and fireworks were ignited, leading to widespread vandalism with bus shelters smashed and vehicles set ablaze.

In a statement issued after the violent outbursts, PSG condemned these acts, asserting they went against the essence of the club and misrepresented the overwhelming majority of its supporters. French President Emmanuel Macron described the violence as "unacceptable" and vowed that responsible parties would face justice. Despite the turmoil, a planned victory parade took place in Paris, with heightened police and military presence, where 100,000 fans attended the procession along the Champs-Élysées.

According to France's interior ministry, the disturbances resulted in 192 injuries and the arrest of 559 individuals; among them, 491 were detained in Paris. Additionally, 22 police officers and seven firefighters suffered injuries, one of whom was critically hurt by a firework and required hospitalization. Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez emphasized that although the incidents did not reach previous levels of violence, they remained intolerable.

He noted that true supporters were blended with groups intent on looting, with clashes reported near PSG’s home ground, Parc des Princes. The prosecutor’s office also confirmed that multiple shops were looted during the chaos, resulting in numerous detentions near a prominent Foot Locker outlet.

Reacting to the fatal stabbing in Dax, Mayor Julien Dubois expressed his condolences on social media, emphasizing urgent attention to the incident to bring the perpetrator to justice. Despite the clashes, many fans chose to celebrate peacefully, singing and dancing, as the Eiffel Tower shone in PSG's colors.

Macron, a known supporter of rival club Olympique de Marseille, nonetheless congratulated PSG on their victory, admitting to the significance of this win for Paris. Following the parade, he hosted a celebratory ceremony at the Élysée Palace to honor the victorious team and coach Luis Enrique.

Anticipating potential chaos, around 5,400 law enforcement personnel were deployed across Paris. Police statements indicated that many of those arrested had sparked altercations, launching fireworks and engaging with police forces. Measures including water cannons and tear gas were reportedly utilized to manage crowds attempting to breach police lines near iconic locations.

Additionally, a distressing incident occurred in Grenoble, as a car collided with PSG fans, resulting in four injuries, two of which were serious. The driver, who reportedly did not act intentionally, turned themselves in to law enforcement following the incident.

As France grapples with the aftermath of these events, the focus remains on ensuring a safer environment for fans while acknowledging the club's significant achievement.