Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League for the first time in their history on Saturday night - but celebrations were marred by violence and unrest in the French capital
09:36, 01 Jun 2025Updated 09:42, 01 Jun 2025
Paris Saint-Germain supporters celebrate
There were riots on the streets of Paris after PSG's Champions League win
Two people lost their lives in France following Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League victory, as jubilations turned to violent confrontations with the police.
A 17 year-old-lad was fatally stabbed in the chest, while a 20-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle full of fans, according to French media reports.
In total, 426 arrests were made, with 417 in Paris and 216 individuals being detained by the police, 207 of them in the capital, as reported on Sunday morning.
The unrest followed PSG's Saturday night triumph, resulting in injuries to 13 police officers and 192 civilians.
As early as half-time, with PSG leading 2-0 thanks to strikes from Achraf Hakimi and Desire Doue, officers deployed a water cannon on the Champs-Élysées.
The police stated it was to "protect the Place de l'Étoile, as the barrier set up had been broken through by a large crowd of people not watching the match, pushing to come into contact with the police".
The area around Place de l'Étoile was reportedly cleared calmly in the wee hours, but elsewhere skirmishes erupted and shops were plundered. The night also saw the use of tear gas and police wielding truncheons. Fire services tackled 148 blazes, including 46 vehicles that were torched.
Clashes break out between police and fans as supporters
The city saw chaotic scenes(Image: Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Disturbing videos circulating on social media captured the mayhem as officers armed with truncheons engaged with rioters throughout the city, near where thousands of supporters had assembled. An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 individuals had congregated on the Champs-Élysées alone.
France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has delivered a stark assessment of the riots via social media, expressing: "True PSG fans are getting excited about their team's magnificent performance.
"Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement. I have asked the internal security forces to react vigorously to these abuses.
"I offer my support to the Police Prefect and all the police officers who are ensuring everyone's safety this evening. It is unbearable that it is not possible to party without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing."
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Post-riot, the Champs-Élysées shows signs of disturbance, but plans for PSG's celebratory parade on Sunday afternoon remain undisturbed. The occasion will mark their first glory in the tournament with festivities including giant screens and music.
PSG celebrated a significant triumph with a 5-0 win over Inter Milan, making history with the biggest victory margin in a final of the competition. Achraf Hakimi initiated the scoreline, followed by Desire Doue's impressive double strike.
Inter Milan's troubles were further compounded by Khicha Kvaratskhelia as Senny Mayulu, a 19 year old from Paris, completed the night’s tally. Luis Enrique joined an elite list of managers winning the Champions League with two separate clubs, having secured it before with Barcelona in 2015.