Violence Erupts Nationwide Following PSG Champions League Victory
Celebrations turn deadly, with two fatalities and over 500 arrests reported across France.
Celebratory incidents erupted across France on Saturday night following Paris Saint-Germain's remarkable 5-0 victory against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final held in Munich.
In Paris, crowds gathered in various locations including Place de la République, Place de la Bastille, and the famed Champs-Élysées.
Authorities deployed 5,400 police officers and gendarmes to manage the festivities within the capital and its suburbs.
The Paris police prefecture reported that while the atmosphere was festive in most areas, minor tensions were noted near the Champs-Élysées and the city’s ring road, where law enforcement intervened to restore order.
By dawn on Sunday, police nationwide reported a total of 559 arrests, including 491 in Paris alone, resulting in 254 individuals being held in custody.
Two fatalities were confirmed as celebrations turned chaotic.
A 20-year-old scooter rider was killed in the 15th arrondissement of Paris after being struck by a car reportedly carrying PSG fans.
In Dax, Landes, a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed during the festivities, with the assailant currently at large.
In Grenoble, an out-of-control vehicle struck a family of four, leaving two members in serious condition.
The violence began during the second half of the match, with incidents escalating near Porte de Saint-Cloud and along the Champs-Élysées.
The police prefecture described the disturbances as caused by a 'malicious public' and noted that sporadic clashes occurred between law enforcement and small groups throwing fireworks and other projectiles.
As tensions heightened, a shoe store on the Champs-Élysées was looted, resulting in approximately thirty arrests.
To manage the crowd, authorities employed water cannons to protect the Arc de Triomphe, which was barricaded to prevent unauthorized access.
The prefecture indicated that the crowd attempted to breach barriers, prompting police action.
Initial reports indicated that 59 individuals were arrested mainly for possession of fireworks and incendiary devices, with additional arrests occurring around the ring road near Parc des Princes, which saw mass gatherings of celebratory individuals armed with fireworks.
Multiple vehicles were torched during the unrest, and reports indicated extensive property damage, including burned bike-sharing bicycles and damaged storefronts across adjacent streets.
Emergency services were reportedly overwhelmed with calls for help, urging the public to reserve emergency lines for urgent requests only.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the mayhem in a post, expressing support for law enforcement while characterizing the actions of some attendees as barbaric.
In Paris, the situation escalated sharply after the final whistle at approximately 10 PM. Official figures recorded 22 injured members of the law enforcement, alongside other reports indicating numerous injuries within the protester groups, with a total of 692 fire incidents, including 264 vehicles.
As police investigations continue, the violence post-celebration presents ongoing concerns regarding public safety at large gatherings, especially in light of recent events.
In Paris, crowds gathered in various locations including Place de la République, Place de la Bastille, and the famed Champs-Élysées.
Authorities deployed 5,400 police officers and gendarmes to manage the festivities within the capital and its suburbs.
The Paris police prefecture reported that while the atmosphere was festive in most areas, minor tensions were noted near the Champs-Élysées and the city’s ring road, where law enforcement intervened to restore order.
By dawn on Sunday, police nationwide reported a total of 559 arrests, including 491 in Paris alone, resulting in 254 individuals being held in custody.
Two fatalities were confirmed as celebrations turned chaotic.
A 20-year-old scooter rider was killed in the 15th arrondissement of Paris after being struck by a car reportedly carrying PSG fans.
In Dax, Landes, a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed during the festivities, with the assailant currently at large.
In Grenoble, an out-of-control vehicle struck a family of four, leaving two members in serious condition.
The violence began during the second half of the match, with incidents escalating near Porte de Saint-Cloud and along the Champs-Élysées.
The police prefecture described the disturbances as caused by a 'malicious public' and noted that sporadic clashes occurred between law enforcement and small groups throwing fireworks and other projectiles.
As tensions heightened, a shoe store on the Champs-Élysées was looted, resulting in approximately thirty arrests.
To manage the crowd, authorities employed water cannons to protect the Arc de Triomphe, which was barricaded to prevent unauthorized access.
The prefecture indicated that the crowd attempted to breach barriers, prompting police action.
Initial reports indicated that 59 individuals were arrested mainly for possession of fireworks and incendiary devices, with additional arrests occurring around the ring road near Parc des Princes, which saw mass gatherings of celebratory individuals armed with fireworks.
Multiple vehicles were torched during the unrest, and reports indicated extensive property damage, including burned bike-sharing bicycles and damaged storefronts across adjacent streets.
Emergency services were reportedly overwhelmed with calls for help, urging the public to reserve emergency lines for urgent requests only.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the mayhem in a post, expressing support for law enforcement while characterizing the actions of some attendees as barbaric.
In Paris, the situation escalated sharply after the final whistle at approximately 10 PM. Official figures recorded 22 injured members of the law enforcement, alongside other reports indicating numerous injuries within the protester groups, with a total of 692 fire incidents, including 264 vehicles.
As police investigations continue, the violence post-celebration presents ongoing concerns regarding public safety at large gatherings, especially in light of recent events.
