Violence Erupts Across France During PSG’s Historic Champions League Victory Celebrations: Two Dead, 559 Arrested

Violence Erupts Across France During PSG’s Historic Champions League Victory Celebrations: Two Dead, 559 Arrested

For the first time in history, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has won the UEFA Champions League. After defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final held in Munich, celebrations erupted across France — but soon turned violent. France’s Interior Ministry reported on Sunday that two people died and 559 were arrested nationwide during the celebrations.

Paris was the epicenter of the jubilation, with car horns, street music, cheers, and fireworks echoing throughout the night. Thousands gathered on the Champs-Élysées Avenue to celebrate PSG’s 5-0 Champions League victory.

Clashes broke out between some revelers and police. In Paris alone, 491 people were arrested, primarily for carrying illegal fireworks and causing disturbances.

Two Deaths During Celebrations

In Paris’s 15th arrondissement, a motor scooter rider was killed in a car crash just a few kilometers from the Champs-Élysées.

In the southwestern city of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death during a PSG celebration gathering. Authorities said it is still unclear whether the murder was directly linked to the Champions League celebrations. The suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

Other Incidents of Clashes and Accidents

In Grenoble, a car drove into a crowd of PSG fans, injuring four members of the same family — two of whom are in critical condition. The driver later turned himself in to the police and was arrested. Investigators said there was no evidence of alcohol or drug use, and the act did not appear to be intentional.

On the Champs-Élysées, police used water cannons to stop crowds from approaching the Arc de Triomphe. According to police, "rioters were throwing large fireworks and various objects at officers."

At PSG’s home stadium, Parc des Princes, tensions also rose after fans watched the game on a giant screen, where around 48,000 people had gathered.

Emotional Reactions from Supporters

Clément, a 20-year-old PSG supporter, said, “It’s incredible and totally deserved. We have a song about our struggle — it wasn’t always easy.”

He added, “Now we’ve got our belief back. There are no superstars in this team; everyone played for each other.”

Record Viewership

The match was watched by 11.5 million people across France, according to Médiamétrie and broadcaster Canal+.

This victory marks the first time PSG has ever won European club football’s most prestigious trophy.