Fireworks explode over riot police officers on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. Aurelien Morissard/AP
(The Post News)- Over 500 arrests were made, and two deaths and 192 injuries were reported during France’s Champions League celebrations. Fans celebrated PSG’s historic win, but festivities turned chaotic due to clashes with police.
The interior ministry reported 559 arrests, with 491 in Paris, resulting in 320 people being taken into custody. Riot police clashed with fans on the Champs-Élysées, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds that damaged property. Widespread fires and property damage were reported, including over 200 burned vehicles. Additionally, 22 security personnel and seven firefighters were injured.
Two deaths were reported: a man in his 20s died in a vehicle collision, and a 17-year-old died from stab wounds in the city of Dax. Police Chief Laurent Nunez stated that an investigation will determine if the Paris fatality is linked to the celebrations, although it currently appears to be connected. Nunez cautioned that more incidents might occur during PSG’s victory parade on the Champs-Élysées and the team’s celebration at the Parc des Princes, saying, “We’re not out of the woods yet.”
To manage the crowds, access to the parade will be restricted to attendees, capped at around 100,000 people. Further celebrations are expected at the Parces Princes and other areas, with police responding firmly to any attempts to cause damage or block roads. Authorities deployed 5,400 officers to manage the crowds.
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