Following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph, numerous fans have lost their lives, police officers are in comas, and hundreds have been detained across France, according to officials.
A 17-year-old was fatally stabbed during a PSG street party in the town of Dachshunds, just south of Bordeaux. Additionally, a young man in his 20s was killed in Paris when a vehicle struck him during another celebration. While officials are looking into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, they believe they are connected to the celebrations. The driver involved in the second incident has been arrested.
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In Coutance, a police officer suffered a “severe eye injury” from fireworks, leaving him in a coma. Reports indicate that nearly 200 people were injured in the capital alone, with four in serious condition, while around 300 individuals were arrested by 2 AM on Sunday.
“These isolated incidents are contrary to the club’s values and do not reflect the views of the vast majority of our fans,” stated the team in a release.
These chaotic events unfolded shortly after PSG celebrated their first Champions League victory, winning 5-0 against Inter Milan at Germany’s Allianz Arena. The official celebration took place the following afternoon, attracting over 100,000 people to a parade in Paris, culminating in festivities at the Park Death Princess Stadium. The team toured the city on an open-top bus with the trophy, and despite the celebrations, they encountered few problems during the concerts.
This violence marks the second incident of its kind in recent weeks across Europe following major football championships; a prior event saw 50 fans injured due to a driver plowing into a crowd during Liverpool’s title parade.
“Today, I share the anger felt by many French citizens… It’s unacceptable for parents to fear for their children’s safety while celebrating a significant sports victory,” stated Bruno Reciro, the French Minister of Home Affairs.
This news is crucial for soccer fans as it highlights the potential dangers surrounding celebrations of sporting victories, underscoring the need for increased safety and security measures. For the future of the sport, it serves as a reminder of the fine line between celebration and chaos, which could impact how fans experience moments of joy.
