Following Paris Saint-Germain's emphatic 5-0 victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League final, Paris transformed into a battleground as celebratory crowds clashed with police forces. The clashes resulted in the arrest of nearly 300 individuals, primarily for possession of fireworks and public disorder, as chaos erupted in iconic locations such as the Champs-Elysees avenue and near the Parc des Princes stadium.
Celebrations initially began peacefully, with thousands of fans gathering to witness the momentous victory on massive screens. Spurred on by the momentous achievement, fans lit flares, set off fireworks, and expressed their jubilation, but the atmosphere quickly soured. Reports indicated that groups attempted to break into shops, throwing objects at police, leading to authorities deploying 5,400 officers throughout the city. Riot police utilized water cannons and tear gas against crowds that approached the Arc de Triomphe.
Among those detained, officials indicated that many were likely provocateurs aiming to incite violence. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the unrest, contrasting the true supporters enjoying the victory with those engaging in criminal acts. Outside the capital, a car drove into a group of PSG fans in Grenoble, injuring four members of one family; authorities arrested the driver but stated it was not an intentional act.
Despite the chaos, the PSG team is set to honor their victory with a parade on the Champs-Elysees, expected to draw tens of thousands of supporters eager to celebrate their team’s unprecedented achievement. In a show of acknowledgment, French President Emmanuel Macron, a known supporter of the rival team Olympique de Marseille, expressed pride in the PSG victory and planned to host the triumphant players.
