TERRIBLE The provisional report of the night of celebration following PSG’s victory according to Mediavenir

Paris Saint-Germain’s historic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final was meant to be a momentous occasion for French football. However, the celebratory atmosphere quickly devolved into chaos, with violent incidents reported across Paris and other parts of France.

In the capital, the Champs-Élysées, a traditional gathering spot for celebrations, became the epicenter of unrest. Fans clashed with police, leading to the deployment of tear gas and water cannons. Fireworks were reportedly launched at law enforcement officers, intensifying the confrontations. The situation escalated to such an extent that 559 individuals were arrested nationwide, with 491 of these arrests occurring in Paris alone.

Tragically, the night saw the loss of two lives. In Dax, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed near a fan zone. Meanwhile, in Paris, a 20-year-old man died after being struck by a car while riding a scooter.

The violence extended beyond the capital. In Grenoble, a family of four was hit by a car, leaving two members in critical condition. Additionally, a police officer in Coutances was placed in an artificial coma after being struck by a firework.

Emergency services were overwhelmed, responding to 692 fires across the country, including 264 involving vehicles. The scale of the destruction highlighted the severity of the unrest.

The toll on public safety personnel was significant. Seven firefighters sustained injuries while responding to incidents, and 22 police officers were hurt during the clashes. One officer’s condition was particularly severe, leading to an artificial coma.

The French Interior Ministry reported that, of the 559 arrests, 320 individuals remained in custody. Authorities are continuing investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence and destruction.

In anticipation of further disturbances, especially with planned victory celebrations involving President Macron, the Paris Police Chief announced that access to the upcoming parade would be limited to 100,000 people. He emphasized that law enforcement would respond firmly to any signs of unrest.

The events have sparked political debate. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, attributing it to hooligans. However, his choice of words faced backlash, with some viewing them as racially charged.

Despite the disturbances, PSG’s victory remains a significant milestone. This win marks the club’s first-ever Champions League title, making them only the second French club to achieve this feat after Marseille in 1993. Manager Luis Enrique secured his second Champions League title, adding to his earlier success with Barcelona.

PSG players, including Ousmane Dembele, have urged fans to celebrate peacefully and refrain from causing destruction. The club emphasized the importance of honoring the victory without resorting to violence.

As the city prepares for official celebrations, authorities are on high alert to prevent a recurrence of the violence. The focus remains on ensuring public safety while allowing fans to commemorate the team’s historic achievement.

The events following PSG’s victory serve as a stark reminder of the challenges in managing large-scale public celebrations, especially when emotions run high. Balancing the joy of sporting success with the imperative of public order remains a complex task for officials and communities alike.

Moving forward, it is crucial for all stakeholders—fans, authorities, and the club—to collaborate in fostering a culture of respectful celebration, ensuring that such joyous occasions do not descend into chaos.

The hope is that future victories can be celebrated in a manner that honors the sport and its supporters, without compromising the safety and well-being of the community.

As investigations continue and the city recovers from the unrest, the focus shifts to learning from these events to better manage and prepare for future large-scale celebrations.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the spirit of unity and pride that comes with sporting triumphs is preserved and celebrated responsibly.