Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday. The match took place in Munich. As a result, wild celebrations erupted across France, especially in Paris. Fans honked horns, cheered loudly, and set off fireworks through the night.
Celebrations Turn Violent in Paris
However, the joy quickly turned into chaos. Large crowds gathered on the Champs-Elysees. Soon after, clashes broke out with the police. Authorities arrested 491 people in the capital alone. In total, they arrested 559 people across the country.
Scenes coming out of Paris, France. pic.twitter.com/dz7qlRrZD7
— Michael McCarthy (@punishablepress) June 1, 2025
Tragedy Strikes Amid Celebrations
Unfortunately, two people lost their lives during the chaos. In Paris, a car hit a man on a scooter. He died on the spot in the city’s 15th arrondissement. Meanwhile, in Dax, someone fatally stabbed a 17-year-old boy during a victory gathering. Although the motive remains unclear, prosecutors confirmed the suspect is still on the run.
Fires and Injuries Spread Nationwide
Moreover, the night saw 692 reported fires. Rioters torched 264 cars. Eighteen police officers in Paris got injured, along with three others in other parts of France. Additionally, 192 fans and seven firefighters sustained injuries.
Police Respond With Force
To control the crowd, police used water cannons on the Champs-Elysees. They tried to prevent fans from reaching the Arc de Triomphe. “Troublemakers threw large fireworks and other objects,” police said. In Normandy, a firework hit an officer in the eye, leaving him in a coma.
Car Hits Celebrating Fans
Elsewhere in Grenoble, a car rammed into a group of celebrating fans. Four people from the same family got injured. Two of them suffered serious injuries. The driver turned himself in and tested negative for alcohol and drugs. Authorities believe it was an accident.
Despite Unrest, PSG Plans Victory Parade
Despite the violence, PSG planned a victory parade on Sunday. Thousands of fans were expected to gather on the Champs-Elysees. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the win on X, calling it a “day of glory for PSG.” He also hosted the team to congratulate them. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo described the moment as “historic.”
Most Fans Remained Peaceful
Still, most fans celebrated peacefully. Yet, scuffles erupted near the Champs-Elysees and outside Parc des Princes stadium. About 48,000 fans had watched the game on big screens there. Police said many arrests involved illegal fireworks and disturbing the peace.
Fans React Emotionally
Many supporters expressed deep joy. One 20-year-old fan, Clément, said, “It’s so good and so deserved! We have a song that talks about our struggles… but we got our faith back this year with a team without stars. They’re 11 guys who play for each other.”