Paris, France – Celebrations turned violent across France on Saturday night following Paris Saint-Germain’s historic 5-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan, leaving two people dead and over 500 arrested.
In the town of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in the chest. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the attack. In central Paris, a 23-year-old man on a scooter was killed after being struck by a vehicle, according to the city’s prosecutor’s office.
While thousands of jubilant fans poured into the streets, many waving flags and lighting flares, celebrations spiraled into chaos as vehicles were torched, shops looted, and police officers attacked. A total of 264 vehicles were reported burnt, and 559 people were arrested nationwide, with 491 of those in the capital.
Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez said 5,400 officers had been deployed ahead of the match, with further reinforcements in place for Sunday’s victory parade from the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Riot police were seen firing tear gas and using water cannons to disperse unruly crowds near the Arc and on the Paris ring road.
The Champs-Élysées saw some of the worst clashes. Several shops, including a Foot Locker outlet, were broken into. About 30 individuals were taken into custody in connection with looting in the area. Fireworks, glass bottles, and other projectiles were reportedly hurled at police throughout the night.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, saying the actions of “barbarians” overshadowed what should have been a night of national pride. He drew a distinction between true fans and those who “came only to provoke and destroy.”
Further violence was reported in Grenoble, where a car struck a group of PSG supporters, seriously injuring two family members. The driver later surrendered to police. Investigators believe the act was not intentional.
Despite the disruptions, many fans celebrated peacefully, dancing in the streets and honking car horns late into the night. The Eiffel Tower was lit in PSG’s red and blue colours.
President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the team, calling it a “glorious day for PSG” and declaring Paris the “capital of Europe” for the night.
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