Following the much-anticipated victory of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League final, a tragic sequence of events unfolded across France, resulting in two fatalities and hundreds of arrests. The victory marked a historic achievement for PSG, celebrating their first Champions League title by defeating Inter Milan with an impressive 5-0 score. While enthusiasm filled the streets, the aftermath saw increasing chaos, including violence and accidents that marred the celebrations.
According to information released by the French interior ministry, the celebrations turned deadly. In the southwestern town of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was tragically stabbed in the chest late Saturday night, local reports indicated. This incident, occurring amid the frenzy of celebrations, left the community reeling. Equally alarming, in central Paris, a 23-year-old man was killed when a vehicle struck him while he was riding a scooter. The prosecutor’s office confirmed both incidents, highlighting the darker side of an otherwise joyous occasion.
As jubilant fans erupted with delight over PSG’s monumental win, incidents of unrest also surfaced. Among the celebrations that included setting off flares, fireworks, and singing throughout the streets, reports indicated a concerning level of vandalism. Bus shelters were smashed, and vehicles were ignited. The French interior ministry later revealed that amidst the celebrations, there were 192 injuries reported and a staggering 559 arrests made, with 491 occurring in Paris alone. These figures underscore a deeply troubling aspect of what should have been a purely festive occasion.
Mayor Julien Dubois of Dax extended condolences to the family and friends of the young victim. His remarks on social media conveyed a mix of shock and sorrow, urging for clarity in the situation and emphasizing the need for justice against those responsible for the violence. The response to the mayhem was swift, with the Paris Prosecutor’s Office detailing how police officers faced hostilities, including object-throwing at crowds gathered at Place des Ternes, where looting also occurred.
Notable images from the celebrations depict a city in both euphoria and distress. While many fans commemorated with a sense of passion and jubilation, the sorrowful outcomes loomed large, presenting a stark dichotomy. Police noted that about 30 arrests were linked to disturbances near a Foot Locker store on the famed Champs-Élysées, which had been targeted during the looting spree.
In anticipation of celebrations, approximately 5,400 police officers were deployed throughout Paris to manage the crowd. In statements released by the Paris police, it was noted that a significant number of people were detained for carrying fireworks and for creating disturbances. Incidents intensified as riot police engaged with crowds, employing water cannons and tear gas in an effort to restore order. Despite the unrest, most fans celebrated the memorable night peacefully, highlighted by a spectacular light display illuminating the Eiffel Tower in PSG’s colors.
Statements made by French President Emmanuel Macron in recognition of PSG’s victory reflected national pride despite the incidents. However, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau took a firmer stance on the violence, attributing unruly behavior to a minority and condemning the despicable acts that overshadowed the celebrations. He remarked that true PSG supporters were enjoying the success while a handful aimed to instigate chaos.
Further chaos erupted outside Paris, where a car collided with PSG fans in Grenoble, injuring four individuals from a single family, including two who sustained severe injuries. Following that incident, the driver surrendered to police, suggesting the crash was unintentional.
As the city attempted to process the aftermath, PSG announced plans for a victory parade along the Champs-Élysées on Sunday, with expectations of massive crowds. In an effort to celebrate this historic achievement, Macron planned to host the players to offer his congratulations.
The unfortunate consequences of the celebrations serve as a reminder of the need to address issues of public safety and civic pride to ensure that sporting triumphs are commemorated without overshadowing the joy by tragic incidents.