Celebrations erupting in Paris after Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) inaugural UEFA Champions League victory turned chaotic on Saturday night, resulting in the arrest of nearly 300 individuals, according to police officials.
Tens of thousands of jubilant fans poured into the streets of the French capital following PSG’s decisive 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan in Munich. This victory, lauded as “historic” by French leaders, marked the club’s long-anticipated success on Europe’s premier football stage. However, as evening progressed, the festive atmosphere devolved into pockets of disorder around iconic landmarks, including the Champs-Élysées and the Parc des Princes stadium.
Paris police reported that the majority of the 300 arrests were made on suspicion of possessing fireworks or engaging in public disorder. Confrontations broke out between riot police and groups of fans who ignited fireworks and hurled various objects. Water cannons were deployed near the Arc de Triomphe in an effort to disperse the crowds.
A police statement noted, “Troublemakers on the Champs-Élysées were looking to create incidents and repeatedly came into contact with police by throwing large fireworks and other objects.”
AFP reporters on the scene confirmed that police intervention became necessary as the celebrations escalated into disarray. At Parc des Princes, where 48,000 fans had gathered to watch the match on large screens, authorities struggled to control the crowds as they spilled into adjacent streets.
While the majority of the capital’s football enthusiasts celebrated peacefully—waving flags, honking car horns, and chanting club anthems—sporadic acts of violence marred the night. A PSG supporter named Clément, 20, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, stating: “It’s so good and so deserved! We have a song that talks about our struggles and it hasn’t always been easy. But we got our faith back this year with a team without stars. They’re 11 guys who play for each other.”
Outside the capital, a near-tragedy occurred in the southeastern city of Grenoble, where a car drove into a group of PSG supporters celebrating the win. Police reported that four individuals from the same family were injured, with two sustaining serious injuries. The driver subsequently surrendered to authorities and was taken into custody. Investigators indicated that the incident appeared unintentional, though an inquiry is ongoing.
In Paris, the victory has fostered a sense of unity and celebration across the city. French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first to congratulate the team. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he hailed a “day of glory for PSG” and declared: “Bravo, we are all proud. Paris is the capital of Europe tonight.”
President Macron’s office also confirmed that he would host the victorious players at the Élysée Palace on Sunday.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo described the victory as “historic” and commended the players’ spirit and dedication, writing: “Paris has waited a long time for this.”
A grand victory parade is scheduled for Sunday on the Champs-Élysées, where thousands more are expected to join the festivities as the PSG squad returns from Munich.
This title represents the culmination of a remarkable season for the Parisian club, which has frequently fallen short in European competitions despite years of domestic dominance. This season, however, under new management and with a reorganized squad prioritizing collective effort over individual star power, PSG has redefined its legacy.
