France Riots: PSG Champions League Win Triggers Unrest
Tragedy Mars PSG’s Champions League Victory celebrations
Updated June 01, 2025
Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League victory, a monumental achievement in European soccer, was overshadowed by tragedy as nationwide celebrations turned deadly. Two fans died, and a police officer is in a coma, according to French authorities.
A 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in Dax during a street party following PSG’s 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich. Separately, in Paris, a man died when his scooter was struck by a car amid the victory celebrations. Investigations into both incidents are underway, the interior minister’s office confirmed.
In Coutance, northwest France, a police officer sustained severe eye injuries after being hit by fireworks. The officer has been placed in an artificial coma, the national police service reported.
while many celebrations were peaceful, some areas experienced violence, leading to hundreds of arrests. A total of 294 people were arrested, including 30 individuals who broke into a shoe store on the Champs-Élysées. Two cars were also set ablaze near Parc des Princes, police said.
Despite the unrest, joyous scenes unfolded at the Place de la Bastille, where fans climbed the famous column, singing, dancing, and setting off flares.
What’s next
The team is expected to participate in a large parade on the Champs-Elysees. Security measures had been intensified with 5,400 police officers deployed across Paris and its suburbs in anticipation of potential post-match disturbances.