Hundreds Detained in Paris Following PSG's Historic Champions League Triumph

Clashes between fans and police mar an otherwise joyous occasion as Paris witnesses both jubilation and disorder following PSG’s momentous victory in the Champions League.

In the wake of Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) groundbreaking Champions League final victory, the streets of Paris transformed from a scene of jubilant celebration to chaos, resulting in hundreds of arrests. Nearly 300 people faced detainment after clashes erupted near famed locations such as the Champs-Elysees and PSG's home ground, Parc des Princes, following the team's eye-popping 5-0 win against Inter Milan in Munich.

During what was touted as the club's most significant triumph in its history, many fans initially took to the streets to celebrate peacefully—engaging in singing, dancing, and car-honking. The Eiffel Tower shone brightly with PSG's colors of blue and red, mirroring the excitement of supporters. However, celebrations spiraled into violence as some fans set off flares and fireworks, vandalized public property, and even ignited cars.

In anticipation of the potential for disorder, nearly 5,400 police officers were deployed across key areas in Paris. While the majority of fans celebrated in an orderly fashion, the police reported that certain groups sought confrontation, throwing fireworks and other objects. "Troublemakers on the Champs-Elysees were looking to create incidents," the police stated succinctly.

Unverified social media footage depicted mobs attempting to breach various shops along the Champs-Elysees, including luxury outlets like Chanel and the sports retailer Foot Locker. To disperse the crowds, riot police reportedly employed water cannons and tear gas. Disturbances also spread to the city’s ring road, with at least two vehicles set ablaze near the Parc des Princes.

The French Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, condemned the disturbances, saying true PSG fans were relishing the victory while others behaved like "barbarians" on the streets. In a tragic turn of events, outside the capital, a car struck PSG supporters in Grenoble, injuring four members of the same family, two severely. The driver of the vehicle has surrendered to police and was subsequently arrested, though preliminary investigations suggest no intent.

Despite the mayhem, PSG is set to hold a victory parade in Paris on Sunday, anticipating tens of thousands of jubilant fans to gather in honor of their victorious team. French President Emmanuel Macron, despite being an Olympique de Marseille fan, has expressed pride in PSG’s achievement and will host the team for congratulations.