Violent clashes between football fans and law enforcement across France have left two people dead and hundreds in custody following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) historic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. While many supporters celebrated the win peacefully, the French interior ministry reported that celebrations in several cities were overshadowed by rioting, looting, and fatal incidents.
In the south-west town of Dax, local officials confirmed that a 17-year-old boy died after being stabbed in the chest during the festivities. Separately, the Paris prosecutor's office announced the death of a 23-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle while riding a scooter in the capital. The violence also resulted in approximately 192 injuries, including 22 police officers and seven firefighters. One officer was placed in an induced coma after being struck by a firework during the unrest.
Security forces across the country made 559 arrests, with the vast majority occurring in Paris. Riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons near the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe to disperse crowds that were throwing projectiles and lighting large fireworks. According to the interior ministry, 264 vehicles were set on fire, and several bus shelters were destroyed during the night. In the Place des Ternes area, the Paris Prosecutor's Office noted that multiple shops were looted, leading to 30 arrests near a sportswear retailer.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the disorder as "unacceptable," vowing that those responsible for the violence would be identified and punished. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau distinguished between the club's genuine supporters and what he described as a minority of "barbarians" who took to the streets to commit crimes and provoke police. Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez stated that while the toll was lower than in some previous incidents, authorities would maintain a firm response against vandalism.
PSG issued a statement distancing the club from the disorder, characterizing the clashes as isolated acts that do not represent the values of the team or the majority of its fanbase. Despite the overnight violence, a victory parade involving an open-top bus proceeded on Sunday afternoon under heavy police and military presence. An estimated 100,000 fans gathered for the official celebrations, which were described by authorities as having a significantly calmer atmosphere than the initial post-match events.
