Celebrations in the aftermath of Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League triumph over Inter Milan turned sour on Saturday night as a violent turn of events led to the death of two men and the arrest of another 559 people.
What happened?
Jubilant fans flooded the streets to celebrate PSG’s emphatic 5–0 win over Inter, securing the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title thanks to goals from Achraf Hakimi, a brace from Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and teenage substitute Senny Mayulu.
However, the night of celebration quickly descended into chaos, as videos of clashes between police and supporters began circulating across social media platforms.
French authorities have confirmed two deaths during recent unrest: a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed in Dax, while a 23-year-old man died in Paris after being struck by a vehicle while on a scooter—though it’s unclear if the latter incident is directly tied to the fan-related chaos.
Paris police chief Laurent Nunez reported 559 arrests nationwide, with 491 in Paris. Of those, 320 were taken into custody, including 254 in the capital. An additional 192 people have been injured, including a police officer who is in a coma after reportedly being struck by a firecracker thrown from a crowd in Coutances, northwestern France.
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What the French authorities said
“True PSG fans are getting excited about their team’s magnificent performance,” Bruno Retailleau, France’s interior minister, said of the violence on Saturday. “Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement.
“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.”
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
