Chaos erupted in Paris on Saturday night after the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) soccer team celebrated a stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final. What began as a festive atmosphere quickly turned violent, resulting in hundreds of arrests and significant damage across the city.
Supporters of PSG gathered to celebrate their team’s success, but the festivities took a dark turn as some individuals began to vandalize shops, set fires, and clash with police. By the end of the night, at least 294 people had been arrested, with the number expected to rise. A group of around 30 people forced their way into a Foot Locker store on the famous Champs-Élysées, while others were caught using makeshift explosive devices.
Videos circulating on social media captured the chaotic scenes, showing large crowds confronting law enforcement as officers attempted to restore order. Multiple cars were set ablaze, bus shelters were smashed, and fire hydrants were damaged. The violence prompted Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to condemn the actions, stating that while true fans were celebrating, a minority was causing chaos and undermining the safety of the city. He called for a strong response from security forces to address the situation.
The unrest also drew criticism from political leaders. Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally party, accused the government of being unprepared for the potential violence following the match. He expressed concern that Paris had become a playground for criminals during such events, tarnishing the city’s image.
In addition to the turmoil in Paris, a separate incident in Grenoble left four people injured when a car drove into a crowd. The driver has since been taken into custody.
During the match, some PSG supporters displayed banners with political messages, calling for an end to violence in Gaza and advocating for Palestinian freedom. This could lead to potential fines for the team, as UEFA prohibits political statements in stadiums.
As the night progressed, the celebration turned into a reminder of the challenges cities face in managing large gatherings, especially when passion for sports can quickly escalate into violence.