Celebratory Chaos Follows PSG's Historic Champions League Victory in Paris

After Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory, celebrations turned chaotic in Paris, resulting in hundreds of arrests, property damage, and clashes with police, while the majority of fans celebrated peacefully.

Hundreds of fans found themselves at odds with law enforcement in Paris following the exhilarating celebration of Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) momentous victory in the Champions League final. Nearly 300 arrests were made as tensions flared near the iconic Champs-Elysees avenue and PSG's Parc des Princes stadium, where an estimated 50,000 fans had gathered to witness the club's resounding 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan in Munich.

The celebratory atmosphere quickly transformed into disorder, with reports of fires being set, fireworks and flares being ignited, and bus shelters vandalized. Despite the chaos, a significant portion of the fan base took to the streets in a peaceful manner, chanting, dancing, and sounding car horns in joyous celebration. The Eiffel Tower itself glowed in PSG's blue and red hues, garnering commendation from French President Emmanuel Macron, a vocal supporter of rival Olympique de Marseille.

In response to the anticipated revelry, approximately 5,400 police officers were deployed throughout the capital. Most of the arrested individuals were suspected of possessing illegal fireworks or participating in the unrest, according to police reports. Instances of aggression included throwing pyrotechnics and various objects at authorities.

Footage circulating on social media, yet to be verified by independent sources, depicted crowds attempting to breach storefronts in the popular shopping district, including luxury brands such as Chanel and Foot Locker. Riot police employed water cannons to disperse crowds attempting to approach the Arc de Triomphe and utilized tear gas to control the situation.

February accusations were launched by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau who depicted the violent offenders as “barbarians” amid a night that also saw troubling news from Grenoble, where a car struck PSG supporters, injuring four individuals from the same family, two critically.

Looking ahead, PSG is scheduled to host a victory parade on the Champs-Elysees this Sunday, anticipated to draw throngs of supporters eager to celebrate their team. Macron's office confirmed plans for the president to honor the victorious players at the Élysée Palace on the same day.