Following the Champions League final in France, two people died and at least 192 were injured.
On Saturday, May 31, violent clashes broke out while soccer fans were celebrating Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 victory over Inter Milan, Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñe confirmed in a press conference, according to BBC.
Two people died in the incident, including a 23-year-old man who was riding a scooter when he was hit by a car.
A second 17-year-old victim was fatally stabbed in Dax, Paris, “during the celebrations,” according to the French news outlet Le Monde. The prosecutor’s office stated that the suspect is currently “on the run.”
According to Reuters and Le Monde, 320 of the 559 people arrested during the clashes, including 491 in Paris, have been taken into police custody.
Photos from Saturday show smashed bus shelters and riot police firing tear gas and water cannons as chaos erupted near the Champs-Élysées avenue and PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium.
According to Sky News, police reported 692 fires, including over 200 burned vehicles, following the Champions League final. Paris Police Chief Nuñe stated in a press conference that fireworks were thrown at officers following the match.
“We really need to differentiate the fact that there were real PSG fans enjoying their night and individuals who were not here to watch the game and just to have a go at the police officers,” said Nuñe, per BBC.
Nuñe confirmed that nine police officers and 192 civilians were injured during the violence following the soccer celebrations. He also claimed that several firefighters were attacked while responding to car fires.
In addition, four family members were injured when a car “careered into fans celebrating PSG’s win in Grenoble, southeastern France,” according to Le Monde. The driver turned himself in to the police and was arrested. He tested negative for alcohol and drugs, according to the source.
“True PSG fans are thrilled with their team’s outstanding performance. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and incite law enforcement,” French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau wrote on X.
“I’ve directed the internal security forces to respond forcefully to these atrocities. “I extend my support to the Prefect of Police and all of the police officers who are ensuring everyone’s safety this evening,” he said. “It is unbearable that it is impossible to celebrate without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”
Paris Saint-Germain plans to hold a 90-minute victory parade on the Champs-Élysées today, according to the BBC.
