Chaos in Paris: two dead and 500 arrested in Paris riots over PSG victory

The Paris Saint-Germain's goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League final not only sparked celebrations in the French capital, but also triggered serious riots that led to hundreds of arrests, numerous injuries, and incidents of looting around the Parc des Princes, the club’s home stadium.

According to the Paris Police Prefecture, 559 people were arrested during violent incidents in the French capital, where thousands of fans gathered to watch the game on big screens and celebrate PSG's historic victory.

The Paris Police Prefecture also reported two deaths linked to the riots. A young man was fatally stabbed during one of the chaotic celebrations, and a woman was struck by a vehicle driving recklessly on a public road.

In addition, French police sources reported that the interventions left at least a dozen police officers injured.

Law enforcement used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent groups throwing firework mortars and other projectiles at officers, the French daily reported. One of the most tense hotspots was a shoe store on the Champs-Élysées, where around 30 people were arrested following looting.

The Prefecture of Police stated that their objective was to protect the Place de l’Étoile, near the Arc de Triomphe, which had been completely closed to traffic. There were also reports of burned vehicles, disruptions to public transportation, and clashes in several Parisian suburbs. Several videos posted on social media showed acts of vandalism and confrontations between violent fans and police officers.

At the same time, in the city of Grenoble, a car drove into a crowd celebrating the victory, injuring four people—two of them seriously. The driver, who lost control of the vehicle, surrendered to police and is now in custody.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the events and denounced the presence of “barbarians” who sought only to provoke following PSG’s historic UEFA Champions League victory.

"It is unacceptable that you can't celebrate without fearing violence from a minority that respects nothing," he said in a message posted on X.