Watch: Paris erupts in chaos after PSG win Champions League; nearly 300 arrested amid riots
Clashes broke out between PSG fans and police
Celebrations in Paris took a tragic turn on Saturday following Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) victory in the
UEFA Champions League
final.
Riots
broke out, leading to clashes between fans and police across the city.
According to BBC, the police arrested nearly 300 people after clashes broke out near the city's Champs-Elysees avenue and PSG's Parc des Princes stadium, where nearly 50,000 people had watched the match on big screens.
The clashes occurred after PSG, a professional football club based in Paris defeated Inter Milan, an Italian professional football club based in Milan in recent UEFA
Champions League
by 5-0.
Flares and fireworks were set off, bus shelters were vandalized and cars were set on fire amid the wild celebrations.
The conflict between fans and police officers was shared across multiple platforms in social media.
Footage on social media showed cars set on fire, chaotic streets, acts of vandalism, and injured police officers. Police are working to stabilize the situation using tear gas, non-lethal ammunition and water cannons.
Deadly Chaos In Paris As PSG Fans Go Wild After Champions League Win | Clashes, Flares & Fireworks
Knowing that celebrations in Paris can sometimes get out of control after big soccer matches, PSG forward player Ousmane Dembélé asked fans to stay calm after the final.
"Let's celebrate, but without damaging anything in Paris," he said in an interview with Canal Plus.
French interior minister Bruno Retailleau addressed the situation on social media, saying, 'Several thousand criminals are looting stores, destroying what they find, and attacking police officers and firefighters.'
"True PSG fans are getting excited about their team's magnificent performance. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement", he added.
At Place de la Bastille, fans celebrated with many singing and dancing in the streets.Many fans blared the horns to express their excitement after PSG's victory. There was no police nearby, and by 1 a.m., the mood of fans was joyous and cheerful.
Security was tightened because police expected possible violence after the match. About 5,400 officers were deployed across the city, including the Champs-Élysées, where they used tear gas and pepper spray to maintain order during the post-match celebrations, as reported by The Guardian.
Previously, about three weeks ago, violence broke out after PSG beat Arsenal by 2-1 in the semi-finals to reach the finals.
A car crashed into fans and was later set on fire, while shop windows were broken. Riot police tried to control the crowd at 3 a.m., more than 40 people were arrested in the city.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Immigration official defends tactics against criticism of a heavy hand as arrests rise nationwide
BOSTON — The head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday defended his tactics against criticism that authorities are being too heavy-handed as they ramp up arrests toward President Donald Trump's promises of mass deportations. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he was 'deeply upset' by an ICE operation at a popular Italian restaurant just before the dinner rush on Friday. A chaotic showdown unfolded outside as customers and witnesses shouted, smoke bombs filled the air, and agents wore heavy tactical gear to face an angry crowd. Todd Lyons, ICE's acting director, turned emotional when asked to explain why officials wear masks. He said some have received death threats and been harassed online. 'I'm sorry if people are offended by them wearing masks, but I'm not going to let my officers and agents go out there and put their lives on the line, their family on the line because people don't like what immigration enforcement is,' he said at a news conference in Boston to announce nearly 1,500 arrests in the region as part of a month-long 'surge operation.' Lyons was leaving the room when a reporter asked him about the masks. He returned to the podium. 'Is that the issue here that we're just upset about the masks?' he asked. 'Or is anyone upset about the fact that ICE officers' families were labeled terrorists?' Lyons may have been referring to comments by San Diego Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera, who called ICE officers 'terrorists' after Friday's restaurant raid. 'This isn't safety. It's state-sponsored terrorism," Elo-Rivera wrote on Instagram. The Department of Homeland Security reposted Elo-Rivera's message, saying that likening ICE to terrorists was 'sickening.' The councilman stuck by his comments on Monday. Other elected officials, such as Gloria and U.S. Rep. Scott Peters of San Diego, both Democrats, were more muted but also sharply critical of ICE and the Republican White House. 'Federal actions like these are billed as a public safety measure, but it had the complete opposite effect. What we saw undermines trust and creates fear in our community,' Gloria said. ICE did not respond to questions about the operation at Buona Forchetta, an anchor of San Diego's trendy South Park neighborhood. The owners said they were closing their restaurants in Southern California for two days. 'We wish we could find stronger words, but the truth is we are heartbroken,' the owners said in a statement. 'The traumatic incident involving a federal enforcement operation at our original and beloved South Park location has left a mark on all of us. A wound that is still raw, still echoing in our kitchens, our dining rooms, and our hearts.' Lyons said in an interview on Fox & Friends Sunday that ICE was averaging about 1,600 arrests a day, a sharp increase from previous data that showed 78,155 arrests between Jan. 20 and May 19 — a daily average of 656. He said ICE can and will do more. Stephen Miller, the key architect of Trump's immigration policy, last week set a goal of 3,000 arrests a day and said the number could go higher. That pace would be a huge challenge with current funding. ICE housed an average of more than 46,000 detainees during the first half of May, already above its budgeted capacity. Lyons said operations like the surge in Massachusetts wouldn't be necessary if 'sanctuary cities would change their policy.' There's no legal definition for sanctuary city policies, but they generally limit cooperation by local law enforcement with federal immigration officers. Homeland Security published a list of more than 500 sanctuary jurisdictions but removed it from its website after criticism that it contained inaccuracies, even from its allies. Lyons stood near a poster board with mug shots of unnamed immigrants. A full list of those arrested was not available, nor was information about the crimes specific individuals are accused of committing. Lyons called them 'dangerous criminals' who are 'terrorizing family, friends and our neighbors.' State, local and federal authorities participated in a raid Saturday at a South Carolina nightclub that officials said was popular with drug dealers, resulting in the arrests of 66 people who were in the country illegally. Cardell Morant, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in South Carolina and North Carolina, said the 3 a.m. operations came during a 'cartel after-party.' Officials did not release additional details about the charges being faced by those who were arrested during the raid in Charleston County. Rebecca Santana in Washington, Elliot Spagat in San Diego and Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Who said what: French Open day 9
Key quotes from the ninth day of the French Open at Roland Garros on Monday: "I would not believe that if you told me that two weeks ago. But I trust in myself, but yeah, for sure, if you say that, no, I can't believe . Now it's that, and I'm so happy about it." French wildcard Lois Boisson on whether she could have dreamt of being in the quarter-finals after her shock victory over third seed Jessica Pegula. "I don't really watch football, and I don't really know things about football, so no, it's okay for me if I don't see him, because I will not know what ask about him. Yeah, they won two days ago, and it's unbelievable for the French." Boisson on whether she wanted to meet Ousmane Dembele after the Paris Saint-Germain forward presented the Champions League trophy to the Roland Garros crowd. "Novak Djokovic will never be a black horse. For me, Carlos is the favourite. I have said that before. Then I would say the next three in line are Jannik, myself, and Novak, right? I still believe that. I still believe on tennis and on experience Novak is up there with us, no question about that at all." Alexander Zverev after setting up a quarter-final against Novak Djokovic. "It's been an amazing season for PSG, congratulations to all Parisians... It was very important for this city, this country... PSG to be Champions League winners for the first time. It was a bit complicated to get back to the hotel afterwards, and when I say complicated, I'm being nice." Djokovic on his Sunday trip back from the Parc des Princes, where he watched PSG celebrate their Champions League triumph. "I mean, it is true. I'm not going to argue with that. Most people do say I'm mature. I don't know. I feel like maybe just playing tennis it forces you to grow up faster for some people. Maybe not him . But yeah." Coco Gauff on being described by compatriot Frances Tiafoe as 'Little Miss Mature'. "Thank you guys. I can't cry here, come on, stop. Let me be in peace. I still have a match to go, I'm a professional tennis player, I've got to get ready." Alexander Bublik after reaching his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final with a surprise win over Jack Draper. "To lose to a friend is not that bad. Honestly, as I said before, on the tennis court for me it's fine. Playing a friend, I don't feel additional pressure or feeling uncomfortable or something." Daria Kasatkina after her loss to regular practice partner Mirra Andreeva. "He's just way too good of an opponent to beat. He's already very tough to beat when you are healthy, when you are fit. So when you are injured, it doesn't get any easier." Tallon Griekspoor after retiring injured from his match against Zverev. "I hope I'm going to win it all." World number 361 Boisson is not done yet.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Tennis-Djokovic hits French Open ton, Bublik stuns Draper for last-eight spot
PARIS -Three-times champion Novak Djokovic reached a century of wins at the French Open on Monday by making the quarter-finals in straight sets against Cameron Norrie while fellow seeds Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula crashed out to unfancied opponents. The sixth-seeded Serbian beat Briton Norrie 6-2 6-3 6-2 to edge closer to a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic became the second man to win 100 matches at the Paris Grand Slam after retired 14-times champion Rafael Nadal , to set up a last-eight clash against Alexander Zverev. "It's a number which is very good and nice, but a 101st win is even better," Djokovic told the crowd in French. "It's not finished for me here the tournament and I feel very good and good to make history here. I hope there will be another win here in two days." His German opponent in the last eight spent even less time on the court, third seed Zverev punching his ticket when Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor retired midway through the second set with an abdominal injury. Zverev has reached his seventh French Open quarter-final in the last eight years and is looking to secure a maiden Grand Slam title. "From now on I have the toughest draw in the tournament," Zverev said. "I'm looking forward to the battles ahead, and I'm looking forward to playing the best in the world." SEEDS FALL While Djokovic and Zverev were all smiles, fifth-seeded Briton Jack Draper bid farewell, beaten in four sets by underdog Alexander Bublik, who only a few months ago considered his future in the sport having dropped way down the pecking order. The 27-year-old Kazakh, among the most naturally gifted players on tour who has admitted to lacking the commitment of other top professionals, seized his moment to drop shot his way past young gun Draper for his first Grand Slam quarter-final. Bublik, who had never got past the second round in Paris, hit a staggering 37 drop shots. "Standing here is the best moment of my life, period,", Bublik, in tears, told the crowd. "I'm standing here like I won the thing. I can't cry here, let me be in peace, I'm a professional tennis player, I've got one more match, I've got to get ready." Bublik's victory was the second upset of the day after unheralded Frenchwoman Lois Boisson shook up the women's draw with a three-set shock win over third-seed Jessica Pegula. Boisson, ranked 361st in the world, outplayed the American favourite with a fierce forehand that had the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier on their feet. As if that was not enough for the spectators, they also got to see the Champions League soccer trophy minutes later, following Paris St Germain's victory over Inter Milan on Saturday. PSG forward Ousmane Dembele carried it onto the court to ear-splitting cheers as his team became the second French outfit to lift the European Cup after Olympique de Marseille in 1993. Second seed Coco Gauff was in no mood for surprises, however, when she brushed aside Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0 7-5 to stay on course for her first title in Paris. Gauff, who got to the final in 2022 and semis last year, is the youngest American to reach at least the fourth round at seven straight Grand Slams since Venus Williams from 1997-1999. The Americans are guaranteed a semi-finalist with Gauff next facing Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who eased past Hailey Baptiste. Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva also booked a last-eight spot by overcoming Australian 17th seed Daria Kasatkina 6-3 7-5 to become the youngest player to reach back-to-back French Open quarter-finals in nearly three decades.
