Newsletters
Celebrations marking Paris Saint-Germain’s historic UEFA Champions League victory quickly spiraled into unrest across Paris, with mass riots, looted stores, and 500 people taken into police custody.
What began as a night of joy turned into chaos on the streets of the French capital.
According to a report from Türkiye-based outlet Oksijen, crowds poured into the streets to celebrate PSG’s long-awaited Champions League triumph. But the celebrations were quickly overshadowed by looting and clashes with police. Viral footage on social media showed mobs attempting to break into high-end shops like Chanel and Foot Locker along the Champs-Elysees.
Police responded with tear gas in a bid to disperse the crowd.
Violence was also reported in other areas of the city and along the Paris ring road. At least two vehicles were set on fire near PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium, police confirmed.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau strongly condemned the violence in a statement on social media, saying:
“The true PSG supporters are currently enjoying their team’s magnificent match. Meanwhile, some barbarians have come into the streets of Paris to commit offenses and provoke the security forces. I have asked the internal security forces to respond firmly to these acts."
"I express my support for the prefect of police and all the police officers who are watching over everyone’s safety tonight. It is unbearable that it is not possible to celebrate without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”
Outside Paris, another disturbing scene unfolded in the city of Grenoble, where a vehicle drove into a group of PSG fans, injuring four people from the same family. Two victims are in critical condition, and the driver later surrendered to police. Sources speaking to AFP said the incident does not appear to have been intentional.
Despite the violence, PSG is moving forward with plans for a massive victory parade on the Champs-Elysees this Sunday. Tens of thousands of supporters are expected to attend the celebration.
French President Emmanuel Macron is also expected to host the championship squad at the Elysee Palace in recognition of their achievement.
1 min read
