What was meant to be a night of pure celebration for Paris Saint-Germain fans turned unexpectedly dark, as joy gave way to tragedy and unrest across France.
PSG’s commanding 5–0 win over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final, the club’s first-ever title in the competition, sparked wild celebrations throughout the country. From Paris to provincial towns, fans poured into the streets in jubilation. As the night went on, the celebration turned violent, resulting in two deaths and hundreds of arrests.
From euphoria to tragedy
In Paris, a man riding a scooter was fatally hit by a car in the 15th arrondissement, just a few kilometers away from the Champs-Élysées, where thousands had gathered to mark the historic win. Elsewhere, in the southwestern town of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was st@bbed to death during a local gathering. While the exact motive is still under investigation, authorities haven’t ruled out a link to the football celebrations. The suspect reportedly fled and remains at large.
Arrests and riots: A city on edge
The Champs-Élysées, often the heart of national celebration, quickly became the center of chaos. Fireworks lit the skies, car horns blared, and fans chanted in delight, but the festive mood shifted as tensions flared between revelers and the police. Scuffles broke out, objects were thrown, and riot police intervened to restore order.
By dawn, 491 people had been arrested in Paris alone, with a total of 559 detained across the country. The French Interior Ministry confirmed that several cities experienced disturbances throughout the night.
Destruction in the wake of victory
Authorities reported 692 fires nationwide, including 264 vehicles set ablaze. Emergency services were stretched to the limit. Eighteen police officers were injured in Paris, with others wounded in surrounding areas. Seven firefighters and nearly 200 civilians were also hurt during the unrest.
While PSG’s victory will be remembered for its brilliance on the pitch, the off-field events raise serious concerns. Should celebrations come at such a high cost? How can authorities and communities better prepare for post-match gatherings to prevent violence?
The night showed both the beauty and danger of football passion, reminding us that even in joy, there’s a need for responsibility and restraint.
