PSG Champions⁢ League⁤ Victory ⁣Marred by Violence;⁢ Hundreds Arrested

‌ ‍ Updated June 01, 2025
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Celebrations of ⁢Paris ⁣Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Champions League victory ​turned chaotic as violence erupted across France, ‍resulting⁤ in two deaths and nearly 500 arrests in Paris alone. The Champions League⁣ final victory, a 5-0 win over Inter ‍Milan, was ⁤overshadowed by clashes between⁢ supporters and ‍police.

In ‌Paris, crowds gathered on the Champs-Élysées, where cars were torched and fireworks lit. The French⁣ Interior Ministry reported 491 arrests in the capital and another 68⁤ across the ​country.​ Authorities are investigating whether two deaths are linked ​to ⁣the unrest. A 17-year-old boy died after a reported stabbing in Dax,while a 23-year-old man on a scooter was killed in Paris after being struck by a‍ vehicle.

police clash with supporters on ⁢the Champs-Élysées in​ Paris.
Police‌ clash with ⁤supporters ⁢on the Champs-Élysées ⁤in Paris. Photograph: Raphaël Lafargue/Abaca/Shutterstock

The ⁣violence also left 18 police officers injured in Paris‍ and three elsewhere in⁤ France, along with 192 civilians. Seven firefighters were also hurt.In Normandy, a police officer was placed in an induced coma after being struck in the⁢ eye by a firework. Authorities reported 692 fires overnight, ⁢including 264​ vehicles set ablaze.

Most PSG fans celebrated peacefully, and a⁤ parade on the Champs-Élysées Sunday evening occurred⁣ without major‌ incidents. The ​team was also scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron.

PSG condemned the violence, stating that the Champions League victory should be a moment of joy, not unrest. The club called for ​responsibility and respect during​ the‍ parade.

‍ “These isolated acts are contrary to the club’s values and in no way represent the vast majority of our supporters, whose exemplary behaviour throughout the​ season deserves to be commended,”

The events sparked political debate. Interior Minister Bruno retailleau‍ criticized​ those ‍committing crimes ‍and ⁢provoking law enforcement. Antoine Léaument, ‍a member of La France Insoumise, questioned the use of teargas against what ‌he ⁢called a peaceful gathering. jordan Bardella,president of Rassemblement National,claimed paris ⁤had become a ‍”playground for thugs.”

Riot police officer takes aim with a projectile⁤ launcher in Paris.
A riot police officer takes aim with‍ a⁢ projectile launcher in Paris. Photograph: Raphaël Lafargue/Abaca/Shutterstock

Approximately ​5,400 police officers were deployed in Paris. A car was ‍set on ​fire near the Parc des Princes stadium, where​ 48,000 people ​watched the match on large ​screens. In ‌Grenoble, a ‍car⁣ struck celebrating fans, injuring⁣ four.The​ driver ‌surrendered to police, and the incident is believed to be unintentional. ⁤Earlier, PSG and ⁢Inter Milan supporters clashed at a Munich ⁢train station.

Riot police on the Champs-Élysées in Paris after⁢ the match.
Riot‍ police on the Champs-Élysées in Paris after the match. Photograph: Abdul ‍Saboor/Reuters

An‌ estimated 11.5 million people in France watched ⁢the Champions league final, according to Mediametrie.

what’s next

Authorities will‍ continue⁤ investigating the incidents surrounding the ⁤PSG victory,while political discussions regarding⁤ policing and societal tensions are⁣ expected to continue.