A night of footballing triumph turned into tragedy as celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Inter Milan descended into deadly violence across the French capital, leaving two people dead and more than 400 under arrest.
The chaos erupted Saturday night after PSG secured a crucial 2-0 victory, with goals from Achraf Hakimi and Desire Doue putting the Parisian club in a commanding position in the prestigious European competition. However, what should have been a moment of sporting glory was overshadowed by unprecedented scenes of disorder that engulfed central Paris.
Among the casualties were a 17-year-old boy who died after being stabbed in the chest and a 20-year-old woman who was fatally struck by a vehicle carrying celebrating supporters. French authorities confirmed both deaths occurred during the post-match festivities that spiralled out of control across multiple districts of the city.
The Champs-Élysées bore the brunt of the violence as thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate their team’s victory. Police had anticipated trouble, deploying water cannons as early as halftime when crowds began pushing through security barriers near the iconic Place de l’Étoile. The early intervention proved insufficient as the situation deteriorated rapidly following the final whistle.
By Sunday morning, French police reported a staggering 426 arrests nationwide, with Paris accounting for 417 of those detained. Authorities confirmed that 216 individuals remained in custody as investigations continued into the night of violence that shocked the nation.
The scale of the disorder was evident in the casualty figures, with 13 police officers and 192 civilians requiring medical treatment for injuries sustained during the clashes. Emergency services were stretched thin as they responded to 148 separate fires throughout the night, including 46 vehicles that were deliberately set ablaze by rioters.
Violence erupted across multiple fronts as celebrating fans turned destructive, launching fireworks and projectiles at law enforcement officers while looting shops in the city center. Riot police responded with tear gas and batons in attempts to restore order to the surging crowds that had overwhelmed security cordons.
The severity of the situation forced authorities to implement emergency protocols typically reserved for major civil unrest. While some areas like the Place de l’Étoile were eventually cleared without further major incidents, other districts experienced sustained violence well into the early hours of Sunday morning.
The French government has strongly condemned the violence and announced a comprehensive investigation into both the deaths and the extensive property damage. Officials expressed dismay that a sporting achievement had been tarnished by such tragic consequences, calling for those responsible to face the full force of the law.
The incidents have raised serious questions about crowd control measures during major sporting events in Paris, particularly as the city continues to host high-profile international competitions. PSG’s victory, which should have been celebrated as a milestone in French football, will now be remembered for the tragic loss of life and the scenes of destruction that followed.
