Paris celebrations turn deadly after PSG victory

Paris

Paris turned chaotic late Saturday after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won the UEFA Champions League by defeating Inter Milan 5-0. While fans initially celebrated the victory, the excitement quickly spiraled into violence. Riots broke out near the Champs-Élysées and Parc des Princes stadium, leading to 559 arrests and two deaths.

More than 50,000 people had gathered to watch the match on big screens. After the win, fireworks, flares, and loud cheers filled the streets. But soon, the celebrations turned violent. Cars were set on fire, bus stops destroyed, and shops looted. Videos online showed police clashing with rioters and several officers injured. A car also rammed into a crowd, leaving at least two people critically injured.

French police had prepared for unrest, deploying over 5,400 officers across the city. They used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to try and calm the situation. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, calling the rioters "barbarians" who attacked police and firefighters.

At Place de la Bastille, some fans danced and sang peacefully, but elsewhere, chaos ruled. PSG star Ousmane Dembélé had urged fans earlier to "celebrate without destroying Paris," but his words were ignored.

This wasn’t the first time. Just weeks ago, violence erupted after PSG’s semi-final win over Arsenal. That night also saw arrests, smashed windows, and a car crash.

The city remains tense, and police are still monitoring hotspots to prevent more violence. Officials urge calm as they assess the damage and restore order.