On Sunday, French authorities faced a tragic turn of events as two fans lost their lives during the celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League victory. The team claimed a decisive 5-0 win against Inter Milan, which marked their first Champions League title, igniting massive celebrations across the nation, including iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower illuminated in team colors.
However, the festivities took a dark turn when a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed at a PSG street party in Dax and another young man was killed in Paris when a car struck his scooter. Investigations into both incidents are underway, as confirmed by the home minister’s office.
Additionally, police reported that officers were injured by fireworks at a PSG rally in Kutance, leading to some being placed in medically induced comas. In total, 192 people were injured in the capital, with four seriously hurt, as noted by the Paris Police Chief.
A victory parade was planned for Sunday afternoon, expected to draw up to 110,000 fans who would gather along the historic Champs-Élysées. Later, the players were set to join fans at Parc des Princes for a series of concerts and the official trophy presentation.
Due to the large gatherings, significant areas of central Paris were closed to traffic, and security measures were intensified in light of the disturbances. Thousands of police officers were deployed, employing strategies similar to those used during the previous night, including the use of tear gas and water cannons to manage crowds near the Arc de Triomphe.
Amid the chaos, there were also reports of looting, with four stores targeted overnight. Firefighters were overwhelmed with emergencies, battling fires in trash cans as the hotline experienced high traffic.
By 2 a.m. Sunday, police had made 294 arrests, including 30 individuals involved in looting a shoe store. Additionally, two cars were confiscated near Parc des Princes.
In the Place de la Bastille, a jubilant crowd gathered, singing and dancing as flares were lit in celebration. The atmosphere remained lively, characterized by chants and cheers as fans reveled in the moment.
Nunez remarked on the unfortunate violent outbursts amid the celebrations, drawing parallels to past incidents during large gatherings, including those following France’s 2018 World Cup win.
Fan Take: This news underscores the emotional intensity surrounding significant soccer victories, showcasing the passionate response of fans. However, it also highlights the need for better crowd management and safety measures during large celebrations, as the sport’s fervor can quickly spiral into chaos, impacting its reputation and community spirit.
