Celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) historic Champions League win on Saturday, turned into violence across several parts of France.
Gatekeepers News reports that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in the match played at Allianz Arena, Munich.
French Interior Ministry revealed that two people died and hundreds of arrests during the chaotic celebration.
In Dax, a 17-year-old boy lost his life after being fatally stabbed, while in Paris, a 23-year-old man died when his scooter was struck by a vehicle.
The streets of Paris, especially near the iconic Champs-Élysées and Parc des Princes, became scenes of unrest, as fireworks and flares were set off, bus shelters destroyed, and cars set ablaze.
A large number of fans also celebrated peacefully, singing and dancing into the night as the Eiffel Tower glowed in PSG’s blue and red.
Authorities reported 559 arrests nationwide, with 491 of them occurring in Paris alone. The interior ministry confirmed that 192 people were injured in the chaos, including 22 police officers and seven firefighters. Some 264 vehicles were torched in the capital.
Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez announced that a celebratory trophy parade would still go ahead on Sunday evening but with heightened security measures.
He said, “The toll is lower than what we have seen in the past, but we will never get used to this kind of abuse, with people who only came to commit acts of vandalism and who did not even watch the match, and we will always have a very firm response.”
“This is just half time for us because the PSG players are coming to Paris,” he said, with a celebration expected around the Parc des Princes where players will meet fans.”
“There again we are expecting some clashes, some scuffles and we will be there and we will be very strong in our response against the vandals, against the thieves who have a go at the police officers.”
“We will not tolerate any abuse today and the fans who want to enjoy the parade, can do so safely.”
“PSG supporters shouldn’t be mixed up with gangs of looters and vandals”.
Meanwhile, Paris Prosecutor’s Office reported looting in the Place des Ternes area, where several shops, including a Foot Locker near the Champs-Élysées, were targeted. It noted that 30 people were detained from that incident.
