France erupted in chaos and celebration after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their first Champions League title, a historic win that was overshadowed by deadly violence and mass arrests, according to the French Interior Ministry.
In Dax, a town in the country’s southwest, a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed in the chest on Saturday night, local outlets reported. Meanwhile, in Paris, a 23-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a vehicle while riding a scooter.
What started as euphoria quickly turned into destruction. Fans lit flares and fireworks, shattered bus stops, and set vehicles ablaze as they celebrated PSG’s long-awaited European triumph — a 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan.
According to officials, 192 people were injured during the unrest, and 559 individuals were arrested, including a staggering 491 in the capital. Among the injured were 22 police officers and 7 firefighters, while 264 cars were reported torched.
Julien Dubois, mayor of Dax, expressed shock and sorrow over the teen’s death, stating, "Our hearts go out to the victim’s family. This act of violence must not go unpunished."
In Paris’s Place des Ternes, the chaos was especially severe — police were hit with projectiles, and businesses were looted, officials told the BBC. Near a Foot Locker store on the Champs-Élysées, authorities detained around 30 suspects following a break-in.
Despite the pockets of violence, many fans celebrated peacefully, dancing in the streets, chanting PSG anthems, and sounding their car horns in delight. The Eiffel Tower even beamed with PSG’s blue and red colors, lighting up the night sky.
Even President Emmanuel Macron, known to favor rival club Olympique de Marseille, gave credit where it was due. Posting on X, he said: "A magnificent night for PSG. Well done. France is proud. Tonight, Paris shines as Europe’s capital."
To prepare for possible unrest, 5,400 officers had been stationed across Paris. Police reported that about 300 detainees had either been carrying fireworks or provoking disorder.
Authorities said that a number of agitators on the Champs-Élysées intentionally sought confrontation, using large firecrackers and throwing various objects at officers. In response, riot police deployed water cannons and tear gas to contain the crowds, especially near the Arc de Triomphe.
Elsewhere in the city, clashes broke out on the ring road, and near the Parc des Princes, two more cars were torched as the night wore on.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, posting: "While real fans are out celebrating their team’s brilliance, criminals are turning the streets into war zones. This behavior is disgraceful." He continued, "It’s outrageous that joy is being stolen by a violent minority."
In Grenoble, celebrations took a terrifying turn when a car rammed into a group of PSG supporters, leaving four members of the same family injured, two of them seriously. The driver later surrendered to authorities, and while the investigation is ongoing, sources suggest the act was not deliberate.
Now, the spotlight turns to Sunday, when PSG’s players will parade down the Champs-Élysées, with tens of thousands of supporters expected to flood the streets. The team will also be welcomed at the Elysée Palace, where President Macron will formally congratulate them on their long-awaited European victory.
Description:
"PSG's historic Champions League victory sparked chaos across France, leaving 2 dead, nearly 200 injured, and over 550 arrested. From Paris riots to Grenoble incidents, here's a full breakdown of the violence, fan reactions, and official responses."