Celebrations Turn Violent in France Following PSG Champions League Victory
Two fatalities and over 500 arrests reported amid post-match celebrations across Paris.
The French Ministry of the Interior has confirmed that police arrested more than 500 individuals during the celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain's historic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final.
Reports indicate two fatalities and approximately 192 injuries amid the chaos of nocturnal festivities across Paris and its suburbs on Saturday evening.
The initial estimates from the Ministry of the Interior reported that 559 individuals were taken into custody, with 491 arrests occurring in Paris alone, leading to 320 people being held in police custody, including 254 in the capital.
Paris police chief, Laurent Nunez, stated at a press conference that a fatal incident occurred when a young man in his twenties died in a collision with a vehicle.
Additionally, a 17-year-old was reported to have died after being stabbed in the southwestern city of Dax.
Nunez indicated that the ongoing judicial investigation will determine whether the fatal incident in Paris was connected to the celebrations, though initial assessments suggest a link.
In the renowned Champs-Élysées avenue, reports emerged of bus shelters being vandalized, while riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons in response to the escalating crowds, as thousands of fans flocked to the area, which features numerous shops.
The Ministry of the Interior reported that hundreds of fires erupted during the festivities, including the destruction of over 200 vehicles.
Approximately 22 security personnel and seven firefighters were also reported injured amid the unrest.
Nunez warned of potential further clashes as Paris Saint-Germain is scheduled to gather with fans at the Champs-Élysées today to celebrate their title at the Parc des Princes.
He noted, "We are currently in a halftime break, as the celebratory march will take place on the Champs-Élysées this afternoon." He added that entry to the celebratory area would be restricted to participants, with a maximum attendance cap set just above 100,000 people, prohibiting others from entering once this limit is reached.
With the anticipation of large crowds, Nunez reiterated that authorities are prepared to respond firmly to any attempts to obstruct the highway, attack law enforcement, or cause further damage.
Ahead of these festivities, Nunez had stated that 5,400 officers were deployed in Paris in anticipation of the celebratory events following Paris Saint-Germain's victory.
Reports indicate two fatalities and approximately 192 injuries amid the chaos of nocturnal festivities across Paris and its suburbs on Saturday evening.
The initial estimates from the Ministry of the Interior reported that 559 individuals were taken into custody, with 491 arrests occurring in Paris alone, leading to 320 people being held in police custody, including 254 in the capital.
Paris police chief, Laurent Nunez, stated at a press conference that a fatal incident occurred when a young man in his twenties died in a collision with a vehicle.
Additionally, a 17-year-old was reported to have died after being stabbed in the southwestern city of Dax.
Nunez indicated that the ongoing judicial investigation will determine whether the fatal incident in Paris was connected to the celebrations, though initial assessments suggest a link.
In the renowned Champs-Élysées avenue, reports emerged of bus shelters being vandalized, while riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons in response to the escalating crowds, as thousands of fans flocked to the area, which features numerous shops.
The Ministry of the Interior reported that hundreds of fires erupted during the festivities, including the destruction of over 200 vehicles.
Approximately 22 security personnel and seven firefighters were also reported injured amid the unrest.
Nunez warned of potential further clashes as Paris Saint-Germain is scheduled to gather with fans at the Champs-Élysées today to celebrate their title at the Parc des Princes.
He noted, "We are currently in a halftime break, as the celebratory march will take place on the Champs-Élysées this afternoon." He added that entry to the celebratory area would be restricted to participants, with a maximum attendance cap set just above 100,000 people, prohibiting others from entering once this limit is reached.
With the anticipation of large crowds, Nunez reiterated that authorities are prepared to respond firmly to any attempts to obstruct the highway, attack law enforcement, or cause further damage.
Ahead of these festivities, Nunez had stated that 5,400 officers were deployed in Paris in anticipation of the celebratory events following Paris Saint-Germain's victory.
Translation:
Translated by AI
