Two dead as hundreds injured and arrested in Paris after PSG celebrations turn ugly | Football | Sport
Two people have died in the ugly scenes that ensued in the French capital following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph. A 17-year-old boy was stabbed in the chest in the town of Dax and a 23-year-old man riding a scooter was struck by a vehicle carrying supporters.
In total, 192 people were injured 559 people were arrested, including 491 in Paris, according to the French interior ministry. The Paris Prosecutor’s office confirmed that two police officers were injured after being struck by missiles thrown by rioters. It comes after the Champions League party very quickly turned ugly as groups of fans clashed with police throughout the evening and into the night. Fireworks were set off and cars were set alight. Videos shared on social media show individuals throwing missiles at the police, who respond by using tear gas in a desperate attempt to maintain order. Smoke from fireworks and flares billowed into the night sky.
Around 48,000 watched the match inside PSG’s Parc des Princes home and continued the party into the night. Close to the stadium, police wielding batons clashed with supporters.
French interior minister Bruno Retailleau wrote on social media: “True PSG fans are getting excited about their team’s magnificent performance. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement.
“I have asked the internal security forces to react vigorously to these abuses. I offer my support to the police prefect and all the police officers who are ensuring everyone’s safety this evening. It is unbearable that it is not possible to party without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”
PSG forward Ousmane Dembele had also pleaded with fans in a post-match interview: “Let’s celebrate this but not tear everything up in Paris.”
Over 5,000 police officers were deployed across Paris and the traffic around the Arc de Triomphe was blocked from midday on Saturday. Police were anticipating wild scenes regardless of the outcome of the Champions League final.
PSG and Inter fans also clashed in Munich ahead of the match. Local media reported supporters throwing stones at each other at Frottmaning station while travelling to the Allianz Arena for the final. Travel disruption was also caused by people walking along train tracks.
It comes weeks after PSG’s semi-final victory over Arsenal on May 7 prompted 47 arrests and left three people injured after being hit by a car.
