Champions League Victory Turns Tragic: 2 Dead, Hundreds Arrested After PSG Win

Celebrations of Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Champions League final victory were marred by violence across France, resulting in two deaths and hundreds of arrests, according to the French interior ministry.

Tragedy struck in the south-west town of Dax, where a 17-year-old boy died after being stabbed in the chest. In Paris, a 23-year-old man on a scooter was killed after being hit by a vehicle.

Wild celebrations erupted following PSG’s historic win, with flares, fireworks, and acts of vandalism reported. Bus shelters were smashed, and cars were torched. PSG condemned the violence, stating that these “isolated acts are contrary to the club’s values and in no way represent the vast majority of our supporters”.

French President Emmanuel Macron has denounced the clashes as “unacceptable” and has vowed to bring those responsible to justice.

Despite the unrest, PSG’s victory parade proceeded in central Paris on Sunday with a heightened police and military presence. Authorities capped the number of fans at 100,000 for the event, which saw the team travel down the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe on an open-top bus. A second celebration took place at the Parc des Princes, the club’s home stadium.

The French interior ministry reported that 192 people were injured in the clashes, and 559 people were arrested, including 491 in Paris. Twenty-two police officers and seven firefighters were among the injured, and 264 vehicles were set on fire. One police officer was seriously injured by a firework and placed in an induced coma.

Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez acknowledged that while the toll was lower than in previous instances, such “abuse” would not be tolerated. He noted that many involved in the vandalism did not even watch the match.

The Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that “several shops were looted” in the Place des Ternes area, with approximately 30 people arrested near a robbed Foot Locker on the Champs-Élysées.

Dax mayor Julien Dubois expressed his condolences following the fatal stabbing, stating, “We are floored by all the drama tonight.” He called for a swift investigation and severe punishment for the perpetrator.

Authorities anticipate the possibility of further clashes and have emphasized the distinction between genuine supporters and “gangs of looters and vandals.”give a descriptive title from this