Chaos Erupts in French Champions League Celebrations: Two Dead, 500 Arrested
French police have detained over 500 individuals following widespread disturbances during the Champions League final celebrations throughout the nation. The unrest resulted in two fatalities and 192 injuries.
Massive unrest erupted on Saturday night as football enthusiasts ignited flares and fireworks in celebration of Paris Saint-Germain’s groundbreaking Champions League triumph over Inter Milan in Munich.
According to the Interior Ministry, hundreds of fires have been reported, with over 200 vehicles set on fire. Additionally, 22 security personnel and seven firefighters have sustained injuries.
In the wake of escalating tensions, authorities in Paris detained 491 individuals as the city became the focal point of unrest. Demonstrators converged on the Champs-Élysées, leading to confrontations with law enforcement.
Across the nation, authorities detained a total of 559 individuals.
According to a police statement, individuals identified as troublemakers on the Champs-Élysées sought to provoke incidents by persistently interacting with law enforcement, hurling large fireworks and other projectiles.
In Coutances, located in northwest France, a police officer sustained severe eye injuries after being accidentally hit by fireworks. As reported by the national police service, the officer has been placed in an artificial coma following the incident.
In other developments, a 17-year-old male lost his life after being stabbed in Dax, and in Paris, a man died following a collision between his scooter and a car during street festivities.
In a social media statement, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau attributed the recent unrest in Paris to what he termed as “barbarians,” accusing them of engaging in criminal activities and inciting confrontations with law enforcement authorities.
He expressed his frustration, stating that it is intolerable for individuals to be unable to celebrate without the fear of a minority of hooligans who show no respect.
Authorities implemented heightened security measures to preempt potential violence following the match, deploying a significant force of 5,400 officers throughout the Champs-Élysées, crucial sites in Paris, and surrounding suburbs. Additionally, a water cannon was strategically positioned near the Arc de Triomphe to ensure the safety of Place de l’Étoile.
The Paris Saint-Germain squad is anticipated to arrive back from Munich on Sunday, resuming celebratory activities alongside tens of thousands of their enthusiastic supporters.
The office of French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to welcome the triumphant players in a gesture of commendation. On X, Macron heralded the occasion as a “day of glory for PSG.”
