What was meant to be a night of jubilation turned into a scene of fiery chaos across France as Paris Saint-Germain fans took to the streets to celebrate the club’s historic Champions League victory, its first ever. The joy quickly turned into unrest as violence, vandalism, and political fallout gripped the country.
Following PSG’s 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan in Munich on Saturday night, supporters flooded the Champs-Élysées in central Paris. But celebrations spiraled out of control. According to the French Interior Ministry, 491 people were arrested in the capital alone. An additional 68 arrests were made across the country.
Tragically, two people lost their lives in incidents under investigation for links to the post-match chaos. A 17 year old boy was reportedly stabbed in the chest in the town of Dax, southwest France. Meanwhile, a 23 year old man riding a scooter in central Paris was killed after being struck by a vehicle.
Authorities also reported 692 fires through the night, with 264 cars set ablaze. Flares and fireworks lit up the Paris sky, not just in celebration, but as weapons. Eighteen police officers in Paris sustained injuries, along with three officers in other cities. Firefighters were not spared either; seven were hurt in the violence. Among the most serious cases, a police officer in Normandy was placed in an induced coma after a firework exploded in his eye.
While Sunday evening’s official parade on the Champs-Élysées passed without major incidents, PSG condemned the previous night’s violence in a strongly worded statement. “Winning the title should be a moment of collective joy, not of unrest and disorder,” the club stated, calling for “responsibility and respect” from fans.
The unrest has since ignited a political firestorm. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described the perpetrators as “barbarians” who turned the streets of Paris into a battleground. “It is unbearable that it is not possible to party without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing,” he posted on social media.
However, not all were aligned with Retailleau’s stance. Antoine Léaument of the left-wing party La France Insoumise blasted the government’s use of teargas against what he claimed was a “peaceful gathering.” Posting a video of himself amid the gas on the Champs-Élysées, Léaument said, “Bruno Retailleau uses barbaric methods. He is responsible for the chaos.”
Far-right figures were quick to capitalize on the situation. Jordan Bardella, president of the Rassemblement National party, declared Paris “a playground for thugs,” invoking long-running far-right narratives about lawlessness, especially in the city’s suburbs, many of which produce the football talent now celebrated on the international stage.
Elsewhere in France, violence rippled out beyond the capital. In Grenoble, a car drove into a group of celebrating fans, injuring four members of the same family, two seriously. The driver turned himself in and is currently under investigation, though authorities believe the crash was not intentional.
Meanwhile, in Munich, tensions flared even before the final whistle. German outlet Bild reported that PSG and Inter Milan fans clashed at Fröttmaning station, throwing stones and causing disruption by venturing onto train tracks en route to the Allianz Arena.
Despite the mayhem, PSG’s victory captivated the nation. A staggering 11.5 million people tuned in to watch the final, according to Mediametrie and broadcaster Canal+. President Emmanuel Macron, a known Olympique de Marseille supporter, is expected to host the victorious players in the coming days.
