Tear gas, fireworks, chaos: PSG's Champions League win sparks unrest
Celebrations erupted across Paris Saturday night after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinched their first-ever UEFA Champions League title with a stunning 5-0 win over Inter Milan in Munich. But what began as jubilant revelry descended into chaos in parts of the French capital, with authorities reporting nearly 300 arrests.
Police clashed with groups of fans near the Champs-Élysées and around Parc des Princes stadium, where around 50,000 people had gathered to watch the historic match on giant screens. Officers said many of the arrests were related to possession of fireworks or acts of vandalism.
"Troublemakers on the Champs-Elysees were looking to create incidents and repeatedly came into contact with police by throwing large fireworks and other objects," a police statement read.
Videos circulating online appeared to show attempted break-ins at shops like Chanel and Foot Locker along the famed avenue. Riot police reportedly deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent them from reaching the Arc de Triomphe. At least two cars were torched near the stadium, and several bus shelters were destroyed.
Despite the incidents, the majority of PSG fans celebrated peacefully. Streets were filled with singing, dancing, and honking horns. The Eiffel Tower lit up in PSG's signature red and blue, and French President Emmanuel Macron, a known supporter of rival club Olympique de Marseille, joined the national celebration with a post on X, "A glorious day for PSG! Bravo, we are all proud. Paris, the capital of Europe this evening."
« Champion mon frère ! »
Jour de gloire pour le PSG !
Bravo, nous sommes tous fiers.
Paris, capitale de l'Europe ce soir.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 31, 2025
Some 5,400 police officers had been stationed around Paris in anticipation of potential unrest. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, stating, "True PSG supporters are enjoying their team's magnificent match. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke the police."
Outside the capital, tragedy nearly struck when a car drove into PSG fans in the southeastern city of Grenoble. Four members of the same family were injured, two of them seriously. Authorities say the driver turned himself in and is under arrest. A source familiar with the investigation told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the act does not appear to have been intentional.
On Sunday, PSG will parade their trophy down the Champs-Élysées, with tens of thousands of fans expected to attend. President Macron's office confirmed he will host the team for a reception to celebrate their historic achievement.
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