Violent Clashes Mar Historic PSG Champions League Win in Paris
In a night that was supposed to be a celebration of Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) historic 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final, chaos erupted in the streets of Paris. Nearly 300 people were arrested as violent clashes broke out between fans and police, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The unrest, however, did not dampen the spirits of the majority of PSG fans, who marked their team’s first-ever Champions League title with peaceful celebrations.
The trouble began near the Champs-Elysees and the Parc des Princes stadium, where about 50,000 supporters had gathered to watch the match on giant screens. Flares and fireworks lit up the night sky, but the festivities took a darker turn as bus shelters were smashed, cars were set ablaze, and property was damaged across the city. According to the Paris police, most of the arrests were linked to disorderly conduct, including possession of fireworks and other prohibited items. A total of 5,400 police officers had been deployed across Paris to manage the crowds and ensure safety, but they were still faced with "troublemakers on the Champs-Elysees who were looking to create incidents and repeatedly came into contact with police by throwing large fireworks and other objects," as stated in a police statement.
Despite the violence, the majority of PSG fans chose to celebrate their team’s historic win with peaceful festivities. Supporters danced in the streets, sang club anthems, and honked car horns, while the Eiffel Tower was illuminated in PSG’s blue and red colors. French President Emmanuel Macron, a known fan of Olympique de Marseille, also joined in the praise, posting on social media: "A glorious day for PSG! Bravo, we are all proud. Paris, the capital of Europe this evening." The win marked a significant milestone for the French football club, and for many fans, the violence was a minor blot on an otherwise unforgettable night. As the city begins to clean up and reflect on the events of the past 24 hours, one thing is clear: PSG’s Champions League title will be remembered for years to come, both for the joy it brought to fans and the challenges it posed for the city of Paris.
