Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) hypothetical historic victory in the UEFA Champions League final, celebrated across France, was tragically marred by violence and widespread disorder, leading to two deaths and hundreds of arrests. What should have been a moment of unbridled joy for fans following PSG’s first ever win of the coveted European club football title (reportedly a 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan, according to the provided source material) devolved into chaos in multiple cities.
French authorities reported a significant toll from the overnight unrest.
Tragic Toll: Two Lives Lost Amidst Celebrations
The post-match celebrations saw two fatalities:
In the southwestern town of Dax, a 17-year-old boy died after being fatally stabbed in the chest late Saturday evening. While the stabbing occurred during celebrations, prosecutors noted they could not definitively confirm a direct link to the Champions League final itself.
In Paris, a 23-year-old man riding a scooter in the 15th arrondissement was killed after being struck by a vehicle.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding both deaths are ongoing.
Widespread Arrests and Injuries Reported
Across France, the response to the disorder resulted in mass arrests and numerous injuries:
According to the French Interior Ministry, a total of 559 people were arrested nationwide, with the vast majority – 491 arrests – occurring in Paris alone. Many arrests were linked to suspected illegal possession of fireworks and causing public disorder.
Authorities reported that 192 people were injured during the clashes, including 22 police officers and seven firefighters.
Tragically, a police officer in Coutance, northwest France, suffered grave eye injuries after being hit by fireworks and was placed in an induced coma.
Scenes of Chaos and Vandalism Erupt
While millions tuned in to watch the match (reportedly 11.5 million across France) and many celebrated peacefully, sections of the crowd engaged in destructive behaviour:
Scenes of violence unfolded, particularly around the Champs-Élysées avenue and near the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
Flares and fireworks were set off, bus shelters were smashed, and cars were torched. Reports indicate a staggering 264 vehicles were set on fire, contributing to a total of 692 fires reported across the country overnight.
Criminal activity included the looting of several shops. Approximately 30 people were arrested near a Foot Locker store on the Champs-Élysées that was robbed.
Authorities deployed a substantial police presence, with approximately 5,400 officers in Paris alone, anticipating disturbances. Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, especially on the Champs-Élysées, reportedly to prevent them from reaching the Arc de Triomphe.
Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez stated that those involved in vandalism “only came to commit acts of vandalism and who did not even watch the match,” clearly distinguishing them from genuine fans.
Incidents Reported Beyond the Capital
The unrest wasn’t confined to Paris:
Beyond the fatal stabbing in Dax, another serious incident occurred in Grenoble, southeastern France, where a car reportedly drove into a group of fans celebrating, injuring four members of the same family, two seriously. The driver later surrendered and was arrested; initial investigations suggested the act was not intentional.
Earlier on Saturday, stone-throwing was reported between rival fans at a train station in Munich.
Official and Political Condemnation
French officials and politicians swiftly condemned the violence:
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau sharply criticized the perpetrators, referring to them as “barbarians” and “thugs” who disrespected law enforcement and marred the celebrations. He called it “unbearable” that peaceful celebration was threatened by “the savagery of a minority.”
Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez vowed a “very firm response” against vandals and thieves, emphasizing that PSG supporters should not be conflated with these groups.
The violence also sparked a political debate, with some criticizing the policing methods and others highlighting the unrest as a symptom of wider lawlessness.
PSG also issued a statement, condemning the violence “in the strongest possible terms” and emphasizing that such acts were “isolated” and contrary to the club’s values, while commending the behaviour of the majority of their supporters.
Peace Amidst the Chaos
Despite the negative headlines, it’s important to note that the majority of PSG fans celebrated the historic win peacefully. Scenes of singing, dancing, honking car horns, and setting off flares in designated areas like the Place de la Bastille provided a stark contrast to the areas of conflict. Landmarks like the Eiffel Tower were illuminated in PSG’s blue and red colours. Even French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the win positively on social media, calling it a “glorious day for PSG.”
Looking Ahead: Victory Parade with Heightened Security
Despite the previous night’s events, a victory parade for the victorious PSG team was scheduled to proceed in central Paris on Sunday afternoon. The parade, planned to run from the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, was expected to draw tens of thousands but with a significantly increased police and military presence. Authorities anticipated the potential for further scuffles but vowed a strong response to ensure the safety of fans who wished to celebrate peacefully. The team was also scheduled to be received at the Élysée Palace and present the trophy to season ticket holders at the Parc des Princes later in the evening. The Guardian reported that the Sunday parade passed without significant incidents, a stark contrast to the previous night’s turmoil.
The aftermath of PSG’s historic Champions League win thus presented a complex picture: a long-awaited triumph for the club and its fans, celebrated by millions, tragically overshadowed by the destructive actions of a violent minority, leaving two dead and hundreds in police custody.
References
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgqyg325gno
- https://www.npr.org/2025/06/01/nx-s1-5419458/two-dead-hundreds-arrested-france-psg-champions-league-win-paris
- https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/6/1/two-dead-hundreds-arrested-in-paris-clashes-after-psg-champions-league-win
- https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/06/01/two-people-killed-over-200-injured-in-champions-league-win-celebrations-in-france
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/01/deaths-and-arrests-in-france-after-psg-champions-league-victory
