Paris was alive with blue and red as flares and fireworks lit up the city in celebration of Paris Saint-Germain’s historic first Champions League title on Saturday.
The final match, held in Munich, captivated the attention of fans across Paris, including a lively gathering at PSG’s Parc des Princes Stadium where the game was broadcast on a massive screen.
Outside the stadium, festivities took a tense turn as a clash broke out between exuberant PSG supporters lighting flares and riot police who responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds.
On the Champs-Elysées, security measures were heightened to manage large crowds near the iconic Arc de Triomphe, as many who hadn’t seen the match attempted to breach barriers to get closer to law enforcement.
By Sunday morning, a total of 131 individuals had been arrested, including 30 who attempted to break into a local shoe store. Authorities also reported that two vehicles were towed away from the area around Parc des Princes.
PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé called for restraint amongst fans after the match, urging them to celebrate responsibly in celebration of the team’s accomplishment.
“Enjoy the festivities without causing chaos in Paris,” he told Canal Plus.
A confrontation erupts as supporters celebrate PSG’s victory against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Despite expectations that experienced campaigners Inter would dominate, it was PSG’s moment to shine.
“I’m at a loss for words,” remarked 19-year-old PSG player Désiré Doué. “All I can say is thank you to Paris; we did it.”
In Delabastille, fans celebrated with joy, climbing the base of a famous column, singing and dancing as flares erupted around them.
The atmosphere was jubilant and light-hearted, even as noise from motorbikes filled the air, with no police presence nearby. By 1 am, spirits remained high, with crowds engaged in song.
Enhanced Security in Paris
To counter potential post-match violence, security was ramped up, with 5,400 police officers deployed across the Champs-Elysées, key areas of Paris, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Even before the 9 pm kickoff, celebratory fires burned as 49,000 fans gathered at Parc des Princes under strong police surveillance.
By approximately 11:30 pm, law enforcement anticipated a wave of fans descending on Champs-Elysées.
Recent Fan Violence
A backlash of violence had already occurred three weeks prior after PSG’s win over Arsenal, resulting in damage and clashes with police, leading to over 40 arrests in the city.
There were similar incidents five years ago when disgruntled fans clashed with riot police following a loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.
Following PSG’s 2013 title win after a 19-year wait, celebrations quickly turned violent as fans clashed with police for hours.
Additional incidents on the Champs-Elysées were noted in 2021 stemming from matches between Morocco and Algeria after significant victories.
Report by Associated Press.
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Fan Take: This news highlights the passion and fervor surrounding PSG’s Champions League triumph, a significant milestone for the club and its supporters. The exuberant celebrations, albeit marred by clashes, reflect the deep-rooted connection fans have with their team, underscoring the emotional stakes of soccer in contemporary culture.
