Saturday, March 29, 2025
In a tragic aftermath to Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) historic 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final, fan celebrations erupted into widespread violence across France on Sunday night, leaving two people dead and hundreds injured.
Massive crowds gathered in Paris, particularly along the Champs-Élysées and near the Parc des Princes stadium, where around 50,000 supporters watched the final on large screens. As jubilation spiraled out of control, confrontations broke out between fans and police, resulting in large-scale property damage, injuries, and arrests.
According to France’s Ministry of the Interior, police detained 491 individuals in Paris alone, with nationwide arrests totaling 559. Authorities reported 692 fire-related incidents throughout the night, including 264 burnt vehicles.
The first fatality occurred in Paris’s 15th arrondissement when a man on a motor scooter collided with a car just a few kilometers from the Champs-Élysées. In another grim incident in the southwestern town of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during a street gathering. Prosecutors confirmed his death occurred “during the celebrations” but stated it was unclear whether the attack was directly linked to the Champions League event. The assailant fled the scene and remains at large.
More than 200 people sustained injuries during the night’s unrest, including 21 police officers. Eighteen of those officers were hurt in Paris, while others were injured in separate cities. Seven firefighters also suffered injuries. In Normandy, a police officer was left in a coma after being struck in the eye by a firework.
Authorities reported that rioters hurled explosives and other projectiles at officers. “Disturbance creators” incited chaos, police said in an official statement.
In Grenoble, southeastern France, another incident added to the mayhem when a car rammed into PSG fans celebrating in the streets, seriously injuring four people—all from the same family. Police said the driver voluntarily surrendered and tested negative for alcohol and drugs. Investigators do not believe the act was intentional.
PSG’s dominant win marked their first-ever Champions League title, but what should have been a night of national pride ended in bloodshed and destruction. French authorities are now reviewing security protocols as the country grapples with the darker side of sports fandom.
