Two people have died, and nearly 560 were arrested after violent unrest broke out across France following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) victory in the Champions League final on Saturday night.
According to the French Interior Ministry, the celebrations quickly turned into chaos, with 192 people injured and 692 fires reported—264 of which involved burning vehicles. Around 30 police officers were among the wounded, some seriously, including one who was left in a coma after being struck by a firework. The scale of the destruction has raised concerns over public safety during major sporting events.
The violence also claimed two lives. A 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during a PSG street party in the southwestern city of Dax, the national police confirmed. In a separate incident, a man riding a scooter was struck and killed by a car amid the celebrations, according to the interior minister’s office.
The deaths have cast a dark shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion for French football fans, as PSG secured their first-ever Champions League title with a 5-0 win over Inter Miami.
Authorities have condemned the disorder, with officials vowing to hold those responsible accountable. While many fans celebrated peacefully, the clashes, vandalism, and arson attacks have overshadowed PSG’s historic achievement.
The French government has called for calm and increased police presence in major cities to prevent further violence. As investigations continue, questions remain over how to balance exuberant celebrations with public safety in future high-stakes sporting events.
