2 die, over 500 arrested as PSG’s historic Champions League win sparks chaos

France was rocked by violence and tragedy on Saturday night as exuberant celebrations over Paris Saint-Germain’s first-ever Champions League triumph spiraled into deadly and destructive scenes across the country.

The French interior ministry confirmed on Sunday that two people had died and more than 500 were arrested following PSG’s emphatic 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the final.

In Dax, a 17-year-old boy succumbed to stab wounds after being attacked late Saturday, local media reported. In a separate incident, a 23-year-old man riding a scooter in central Paris was fatally struck by a vehicle, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.

Jubilant fans took to the streets, igniting flares and fireworks, smashing bus shelters, and torching cars in scenes that turned violent in several cities. The ministry said that 192 people were injured nationwide, including 22 police officers and seven firefighters, while 559 individuals were taken into custody — 491 of them in Paris alone. Authorities reported that 264 vehicles were set ablaze.

Dax Mayor Julien Dubois expressed his sorrow over the death in his town. “My thoughts are with the young victim, his family and friends,” he wrote on social media. “We are floored by all the drama tonight. It is advisable to quickly shed light on these facts in order to severely punish the perpetrator.”

In the French capital, police faced off with crowds near the iconic Champs-Élysées and around PSG’s home ground, the Parc des Princes. Officers were targeted with projectiles at Place des Ternes, and “several shops were looted” in the area, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office told the BBC. Thirty arrests were made near a Foot Locker store on the Champs-Élysées, which was among those hit.

Despite the violence, many supporters celebrated peacefully, dancing, singing, and sounding car horns. The Eiffel Tower lit up in PSG’s red and blue as the club marked a historic milestone.

President Emmanuel Macron, known for his allegiance to Marseille, PSG’s traditional rivals, praised the team’s success on social media. “A glorious day for PSG! Bravo, we are all proud. Paris, the capital of Europe this evening.”

Security forces had been deployed in force ahead of the match, with 5,400 officers stationed across Paris. Police said that about 300 of those arrested were caught with fireworks or were suspected of inciting unrest.

“Troublemakers on the Champs-Elysees were looking to create incidents and repeatedly came into contact with police by throwing large fireworks and other objects,” police said in a statement. Riot control units reportedly fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse crowds attempting to approach the Arc de Triomphe.

Elsewhere in Paris, clashes occurred on the ring road, and at least two cars were set alight near the stadium.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the chaos, 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. It’s unbearable that it’s unthinkable to party without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”

In Grenoble, southeast France, four members of a single family were injured when a car drove into a group of celebrating fans. Police said two of the victims sustained serious injuries. The driver later turned himself in and was taken into custody. A source close to the investigation told AFP that the act did not appear to be intentional.

PSG is scheduled to parade their trophy down the Champs-Élysées on Sunday, with tens of thousands expected to attend. Macron is also set to host the team at the Élysée Palace in celebration of their landmark achievement.

(BBC)