Two People Killed, Hundreds Injured In France After PSG’s Champions League Victory

What should have been a night of joy turned tragic in France after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinched their first-ever UEFA Champions League title on Saturday night.

As fans poured into the streets to celebrate the team’s 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich, chaos broke out in several parts of the country.

On Sunday, authorities confirmed that two people had died and over 500 others had been injured in the aftermath.

One of the victims was a 17-year-old boy who was stabbed in Dax, while a 23-year-old man riding a scooter lost his life after being hit by a car in central Paris.

The massive celebrations, especially in the capital, quickly spiraled into violence. Supporters lit flares, set vehicles on fire, and damaged public property, including smashing bus windows.

The Champs-Élysées, a popular spot for major public gatherings, became the center of the unrest.

France’s interior ministry reported that 491 people were arrested in Paris alone, with a total of 559 arrests nationwide. The government has promised a firm response.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying he had instructed law enforcement to act firmly against those causing destruction.

He wrote, “I have asked the internal security forces to react vigorously to these abuses.

‘I offer my support to the Police Prefect and all the police officers who are ensuring everyone’s safety this evening.

“It is unbearable that it is not possible to party without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”

Despite the turmoil, PSG is still set to hold a victory parade on the Champs-Élysées, where about 100,000 fans are expected to join players and staff to mark the historic win.

KanyiDaily had reported that France previously declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia and sent police and military reinforcements to quell the unrest sparked by proposed changes to provincial election rules.