Two individuals lost their lives, and 192 others sustained injuries in the aftermath of Paris Saint-Germain’s triumphant 5-0 victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League final. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly descended into chaos, with violent clashes marring the occasion. The French capital became a scene of turmoil on Saturday, May 31, resulting in a staggering 559 arrests, as confirmed by the police.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/2-Dead-Champions-League-France-060125-01-4a6a2e63a82144748957a07d3d7e2c5a.jpg)
Reports indicate that the casualties included a 23-year-old man fatally hit by a car while riding a scooter and a 17-year-old victim who was stabbed in Dax during the celebrations. The suspect in the stabbing incident is currently at large, adding to the gravity of the situation. Among the massive number of arrests made, 320 individuals were placed in police custody, highlighting the scale of unrest that unfolded following the match.
The French Interior Ministry detailed the extent of the damage caused by the clashes, with photos capturing the aftermath of smashed bus shelters and authorities resorting to deploying tear gas and water cannons to pacify the chaotic scenes near Champs-Élysées avenue and PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium. The unrest even escalated to the point where over 692 fires, including more than 200 burned vehicles, were reported post the Champions League final.
Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñe emphasised the challenges faced by law enforcement, pointing out that genuine PSG fans were swept into the unfortunate events along with individuals intent on inciting violence against the officers. A total of 192 civilians, alongside nine police members, sustained injuries during the clashes. The situation grew dire as even firefighters responding to incidents were subjected to attacks during their duties.
The gravity of the situation prompted French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to express his dismay at the turn of events. He condemned the actions of the few who marred what should have been a night of celebration, urging a robust response from law enforcement to ensure the safety of all. Retailleau made a point to extend his support to the police force in their efforts to address the violence and disorder that unfolded in the wake of the football victory.
Despite the sombre turn of events, Paris Saint-Germain remains resolute in moving forward with plans for a victory parade on the famed Champs-Élysées. The city grapples with the aftermath of the volatile clashes that erupted unexpectedly, reminding everyone of the importance of upholding peace and security during moments of celebration. The tragic outcome of what was meant to be a joyous occasion serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of public safety and the need for responsible conduct in large gatherings.