Macron condemns violence during football celebrations
Macron condemns violence during football celebrations
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the triumphant team to the Elysee palace. Photo: Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned "unacceptable" violence during celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final victory, as he welcomed the triumphant team to the Elysee palace.
"Nothing can justify what has happened in the last few hours, the violent clashes are unacceptable," Macron said.
"We will pursue, we will punish, we will be relentless," he added before congratulating the players on their win.
Two people died and police made nearly 600 arrests across France overnight as fans celebrated PSG's 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan in Munich on Saturday.
"The violent clashes that took place are unacceptable and have come at a heavy cost: two people are dead, around 30 police officers and several firefighters have been injured," Macron said.
"My thoughts are also with the police officer in Coutances who is currently in a coma," he added, referring to the town in western France where a police officer was struck in the eye by a firework.
Macron hosted PSG coach Luis Enrique and his team after their victory parade on the Champs-Elysees avenue, thanking the players for their quick condemnation of the violence.
"These isolated acts are contrary to the club's values and in no way represent the vast majority of our supporters, whose exemplary behaviour throughout the season deserves to be commended," the club said Sunday.
Macron also congratulated the team for their "sublime" victory over Inter Milan.
"You are the champions and you have put Paris at the top of Europe," he said.
"There were 11 of you on the field, but there was clearly a twelfth man -- the entire French public, regardless of traditional allegiances," Macron said, in a reference to his own loyalty to PSG's rival club Olympique de Marseille.
It was the first time PSG has won the biggest prize in European club football. (AFP)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Standard
3 hours ago
- The Standard
Defiant Postecoglou proud of Spurs reign despite sacking
Ange Postecoglou endured months of speculation over his future as Spurs spluttered through their dismal domestic campaign. (Reuters)
RTHK
8 hours ago
- RTHK
Postecoglou sacked by Spurs despite Europa League win
Postecoglou sacked by Spurs despite Europa League win Ending Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought was not enough to save Ange Postecoglou. File photo: AFP Ange Postecoglou was sacked as Tottenham manager on Friday, just 16 days after the Australian ended the club's 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League. Postecoglou led Tottenham to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao to clinch the north Londoners' first European prize in 41 years and secure a place in next season's Champions League. But the Australian paid the price for Tottenham's worst domestic season since they were relegated from the top flight in 1976-77. "Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties," a statement on Tottenham's official X account said. Exactly two years after he was hired from Celtic, Postecoglou's eventful spell in north London was brought to an end by chairman Daniel Levy. Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 Premier League games to finish 17th in the table, above only relegated trio Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. "The Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place," the statement said. "Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph." (AFP)
RTHK
8 hours ago
- RTHK
Sinner sets up Alcaraz showdown in Paris
Sinner sets up Alcaraz showdown in Paris Novak Djokovic's dream of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title is over, for now. Photo: AFP World number one Jannik Sinner defeated record-chasing Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) in a clash of generations on Friday to set up a blockbuster French Open final showdown with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Playing a younger, modern version of himself, the 38-year-old Djokovic looked every bit his age for a while on Court Philippe Chatrier as Sinner used his blistering forehand to send the Serbian chasing the ball left, right and centre. But the former Serbian world number one, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, showed he thrived on the grandest stage and threatened a comeback only to miss three set points in the third. The Italian, who recently came back from a doping ban, stood firm in the tiebreak and wrapped up the contest on his second match point. He will face a sterner test in Sunday's final against Alcaraz, who composed himself after a slow start before charging into back-to-back French Open finals when eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti retired with a left thigh injury while trailing 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-0, 2-0. Alcaraz is attempting to become only the third man to retain his Roland Garros title this century after Rafa Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten. (Reuters)
