Two people have died and hundreds have been arrested across France after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans celebrated the club’s victory in the Champions League final, according to the French interior ministry.

In the south-west town of Dax, a 17-year-old boy died after being stabbed in the chest late on Saturday evening, local media reported.

A 23-year-old man who was riding a scooter in central Paris was also killed after being hit by a vehicle, the prosecutor’s office said.

Flares and fireworks were set off, bus shelters smashed and cars torched amid wild celebrations as PSG won the biggest prize in European club football for the first time in their history.

Tap the link in @bbcnews‘s bio to find out more about the incident.

[📸EPA/ Getty]

Paris Saint-Germain’s historic victory in the Champions League final was a moment of jubilation for fans of the iconic French club, marking a long-awaited achievement in their football legacy. However, the celebrations, which swept through the streets of Paris and other French cities, quickly turned chaotic, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread arrests, as reported by the French interior ministry.

Jubilation Turns to Tragedy

Following PSG’s hard-fought win in the Champions League—a tournament regarded as the pinnacle of European club football—thousands of supporters flooded the streets to celebrate. The victory was not just a sporting triumph but also a cultural moment for Paris and its football community.

In Paris, major thoroughfares such as the Champs-Élysées became gathering points for fans, many waving club flags, chanting songs, and reveling late into the night. Yet, amid the festive atmosphere, clashes erupted between some celebrators and law enforcement, as well as between rival groups of fans.

According to official figures released by the French interior ministry, two people lost their lives in incidents linked to the celebrations. The details surrounding these deaths are still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that both were related to violent altercations and reckless behavior during the festivities.

Additionally, hundreds of people have been arrested nationwide for offenses including vandalism, assault, and public disorder. The ministry described the night as “marked by excess and violence in several locations.”

Causes of Violence

While the majority of PSG supporters celebrated peacefully, the scale of the event and the mix of emotions following such a significant sporting victory created a volatile environment.

Experts point to several factors contributing to the outbreak of violence:

• Alcohol consumption: Large crowds gathered in public spaces, often drinking excessively, which can lower inhibitions and increase the likelihood of confrontations.
• Crowd dynamics: The adrenaline rush and group mentality can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior, especially when combined with tensions among rival fan groups.
• Pre-existing rivalries: Some of the violence appears to have been fueled by conflicts between supporters of PSG and those of other clubs, both local and from other cities.
• Policing challenges: Managing large crowds during spontaneous celebrations is a complex task. Law enforcement agencies often face difficulties controlling surges and preventing flare-ups.

Police Response and Public Safety

The French police deployed thousands of officers across Paris and other cities anticipating large gatherings. Their efforts included crowd control tactics such as the use of barriers, patrols on foot and horseback, and intervention units prepared to respond to disturbances.

Despite these measures, several incidents escalated into violent clashes. Authorities reported the use of fireworks, bottles, and other projectiles against police personnel. Police responded with tear gas and arrests to regain control of hotspots.

French Interior Minister released a statement condemning the violence, emphasizing the need for responsible celebration and respect for public safety.

“We understand the joy of this historic win for PSG and the passion of its fans. However, violence and destruction have no place in our cities,” he said. “We will continue to ensure public order and hold accountable those who jeopardize the safety of others.”

Impact on the Community

The celebrations and subsequent violence have left a complex imprint on local communities. While many residents expressed pride and happiness over PSG’s achievement, the destruction of property, injuries, and loss of life have dampened the mood.

Business owners reported damages to storefronts and vehicles, with some forced to close temporarily due to vandalism. Public transportation systems faced disruptions as authorities worked to clear crowds and secure affected areas.

Social media reactions reflected this mixed atmosphere, with some users condemning the violence while others defended the spontaneous nature of the celebrations.

PSG’s Response

Paris Saint-Germain, aware of the gravity of the situation, issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of those who died and calling for calm.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and incidents of violence following our victory,” the club said. “Our fans’ passion is a vital part of what makes PSG special, but we urge everyone to celebrate responsibly and peacefully.”

The club also announced plans to work with local authorities and community groups to promote positive celebrations in the future, emphasizing football’s unifying power rather than division.

Historical Context

Unfortunately, such incidents are not unprecedented in France or elsewhere following major sports victories. Celebrations after significant wins sometimes spill over into disorder, especially when large crowds gather spontaneously.

Authorities often face a delicate balance between allowing fans to enjoy their success and preventing disorder. France has seen similar situations during past football tournaments and national team victories, prompting ongoing discussions about how best to manage public celebrations.

Looking Ahead: Preventing Future Incidents

In light of the recent events, several measures are being proposed to better prepare for future large-scale celebrations:

• Enhanced coordination: Improved communication between law enforcement, local governments, and football clubs to plan controlled, designated celebration zones.
• Public education campaigns: Raising awareness about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption and encouraging respectful behavior during celebrations.
• Increased resources: Deploying more trained personnel, including crowd psychologists and mediators, to handle potential flashpoints.
• Community involvement: Engaging fan groups and local communities in planning celebrations to foster responsibility and pride.

The hope is that lessons learned from this incident will help ensure that future moments of sporting joy do not devolve into tragedy.

Final Thoughts

Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory is a milestone that will be remembered for years to come. It represents the culmination of years of effort and the passion of countless players and fans.

Yet, the violence and loss that followed serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges inherent in managing mass celebrations. For the city of Paris and all of France, the task now is to honor the achievement while healing from the wounds left behind.

As investigations continue and communities rebuild, the priority remains clear: celebrating triumphs without sacrificing safety and respect for all.