Chaos reportedly engulfed Paris on Saturday night as thousands took to the streets to celebrate Paris Saint-Germain’s historic victory in the Champions League, leading to violent clashes with police and tragic fatalities.
The match, in which PSG triumphed over Inter Milan with a decisive 5-0 score, marked a significant moment for the team, as it became the first French club to win the prestigious title in over three decades.
The festivities quickly devolved into unrest, with protesters waving Palestinian flags amid the tumult. Many participants expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, echoing sentiments from a recent anti-Israel protest held during the Champions League match in Munich.
Videos shared on social media depicted scenes of chaos: individuals clashing with law enforcement, damaging vehicles, and scaling monuments.
As the situation escalated, French authorities reported that at least two individuals died as a result of the violence. A 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in the nearby town of Dax, while a 23-year-old man was struck by a vehicle while riding a scooter in Paris.
The French Interior Ministry disclosed that police arrested 559 people during the unrest, and 192 individuals sustained injuries.
Among the displays of protest, a large banner unfurled by PSG fans demanding an end to what they termed as the “genocide” in Gaza potentially puts the club at risk of financial penalties, including a fine of up to 10,000 euros.
Other fans were seen brandishing Palestinian scarves and flags alongside those representing Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, highlighting a broader expression of solidarity that transcended the sporting event.
🇨🇵Paris, France.
Morning hangover in the city of love and romance after PSG’s victory in the UEFA Champions League.
– More than 400 cars burned.🔥
– 2 people killed.
– 192 injured,including 22 police officers and 7 firefighters.
– 559 people arrested in Paris alone, for… pic.twitter.com/QvDvwspqNG
— Tibo91 (@Tibortibor15) June 2, 2025
While the celebration initially aimed to honor the soccer victory, the protest reflected deeper societal tensions related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Critics of the Israeli government have increasingly used public events, including sports celebrations, to amplify their messages.
The events in Paris echoed similar sentiments seen in various European cities in recent months.
French authorities have expressed concern over the intertwining of sports celebrations with political demonstrations, emphasizing the need for public safety.
As the city grappled with the aftermath of the riots, discussions about the role of protests in public spaces are likely to intensify.
The violence and subsequent fatalities have reignited debates about the balance between free expression and public order, particularly in the context of ongoing global conflicts.
As Paris grapples with its identity as both a center of culture and a stage for political expression, the ramifications of Saturday’s events will likely resonate well beyond the soccer field.
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