Hundreds were arrested in Paris amid violent celebrations after PSG triumphed over Inter Milan, despite most fans celebrating peacefully.
**Chaos Erupts in Paris as PSG Fans Celebrate Historic Champions League Victory**
**Chaos Erupts in Paris as PSG Fans Celebrate Historic Champions League Victory**
Arrests and clashes mar the joyous celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s first Champions League title.
Authorities reported nearly 300 arrests in Paris following tumultuous celebrations that erupted after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their first Champions League title with a commanding 5-0 win against Inter Milan. The victory was celebrated by thousands, primarily near the iconic Champs-Elysees and PSG's Parc des Princes stadium, where nearly 50,000 fervent fans gathered to witness the momentous occasion on large screens.
While the majority of fans participated in peaceful celebrations—singing and dancing, with the Eiffel Tower illuminated in PSG's blue and red colors—a faction turned to violence as chaos unfolded, leading to the destruction of property and confrontations with police. Officers reported that fires were set to vehicles and public fixtures, with small groups of troublemakers aiming fireworks and other debris at law enforcement.
In an effort to maintain order, around 5,400 police were deployed throughout Paris to monitor festivities. Police stated that the disturbances primarily stemmed from ‘troublemakers’ who instigated confrontations, resulting in clashes that necessitated the use of tear gas and water cannons.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the unrest and described it as an embarrassing episode overshadowing the victory. “True PSG supporters are enjoying their team's magnificent match,” Retailleau said. “Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets to commit crimes and provoke the police.”
Away from the capital, an additional incident occurred in Grenoble, where a car collided with a group of PSG fans, injuring four members of a single family. Local police reported that the driver surrendered to authorities and did not appear to have acted with malicious intent.
In lighter news, the PSG team is scheduled to parade through the Champs-Elysees on Sunday and will also be received by President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed his pride in the team via social media. Despite the violent outbreaks, anticipation remains high for the celebrations yet to come, as the team revels in their historic achievement.
While the majority of fans participated in peaceful celebrations—singing and dancing, with the Eiffel Tower illuminated in PSG's blue and red colors—a faction turned to violence as chaos unfolded, leading to the destruction of property and confrontations with police. Officers reported that fires were set to vehicles and public fixtures, with small groups of troublemakers aiming fireworks and other debris at law enforcement.
In an effort to maintain order, around 5,400 police were deployed throughout Paris to monitor festivities. Police stated that the disturbances primarily stemmed from ‘troublemakers’ who instigated confrontations, resulting in clashes that necessitated the use of tear gas and water cannons.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the unrest and described it as an embarrassing episode overshadowing the victory. “True PSG supporters are enjoying their team's magnificent match,” Retailleau said. “Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets to commit crimes and provoke the police.”
Away from the capital, an additional incident occurred in Grenoble, where a car collided with a group of PSG fans, injuring four members of a single family. Local police reported that the driver surrendered to authorities and did not appear to have acted with malicious intent.
In lighter news, the PSG team is scheduled to parade through the Champs-Elysees on Sunday and will also be received by President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed his pride in the team via social media. Despite the violent outbreaks, anticipation remains high for the celebrations yet to come, as the team revels in their historic achievement.
