A car burns as PSG supporters celebrate in Paris (AP Image)
The celebrations that followed Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory witnessed chaos across France, leaving one person dead, 219 others injured, and nearly 800 people arrested, French authorities said on Sunday.French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said that 219 people were injured during clashes between football fans and police after Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Arsenal in the Champions League final. Of the injured, eight are in serious condition, while 57 police officers were also injured.One person was killed in a traffic accident on the Parisian ring road during the unrest after rioters tried to block traffic, officials said.Nunez said 780 people were arrested across the country, and more than 450 remain in detention. The Paris prosecutor’s office later said that 277 people had been officially placed in police custody, including 82 minors, on charges ranging from assaulting police officers to theft, vandalism and disturbing public order.“The situation is pretty much under control,” Nunez told reporters.He added that “most of the celebrations took place peacefully” across Paris, adding that most of the events were concentrated around the Champs-Elysées and near the Parc des Princes stadium, where thousands gathered to watch the match.
Fires, sabotage and clashes
Fans flooded the streets after Paris Saint-Germain claimed victory in the final in Budapest, Hungary. Large crowds gathered around the Arc de Triomphe and along the Champs-Elysées, lighting torches and celebrating by honking car horns.But the celebrations quickly turned into violence in several areas. Smaller groups vandalized stores, set fire to trash cans, bicycles and self-service vehicles, and attempted to block roads, police said.
The authorities also dispersed individuals who allegedly attempted to storm a police station in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.In a separate accident, two people were injured after a driver lost control of his car and crashed into a restaurant balcony. One person was seriously injured.Authorities reported unrest in about 15 cities across France, with one or two stores vandalized in several locations outside Paris.
Wide security deployment
Despite the unrest, authorities confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain’s victory parade and celebrations will continue on Sunday.
About 6,000 police officers were mobilized to make security arrangements near the Eiffel Tower, where fans were expected to gather for the team’s official celebrations.Nunez warned that police would respond “firmly and resolutely” to any further acts of violence. French President Emmanuel Macron is also scheduled to receive the Paris Saint-Germain team at the Elysee Palace.The violence comes in the wake of similar scenes after Paris Saint-Germain celebrated its previous title. In May last year, 201 people were injured in Paris and more than 500 people were arrested across France following the club’s European success.
