NEED TO KNOW
- On Saturday, May 31, violent clashes erupted in the French capital, which led to 559 arrests, according to police
- A teenage boy and a man in his early 20s died, while at least 192 others were injured
- The incident occurred after Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League final
Two people have died and at least 192 others are injured following the Champions League final in France.
On Saturday, May 31, violent clashes broke out while soccer fans were celebrating Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 victory against Inter Milan, Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñe confirmed in a press conference, per BBC.
Two people died during the incident, including a 23-year-old man who was riding a scooter when he was struck by a car.
A second 17-year-old victim was fatally stabbed in the Parisian town of Dax “during the celebrations,” the French news outlet Le Monde reported. The prosecutor’s office said the suspect is currently “on the run.”
The French Interior Ministry announced that of the 559 people arrested amid the clashes, including 491 in Paris, 320 were placed in police custody, per Reuters and Le Monde.
Photos from Saturday show smashed bus shelters and riot police firing tear gas and a water cannon as chaos descended near Champs-Élysées avenue and PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium.
Police reported 692 fires including more than 200 burned vehicles after the Champions League final, according to Sky News. During the press conference, Paris Police Chief Nuñe said fireworks were also thrown at officers after 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.
Nine members of the police were injured alongside the 192 civilians in the violence that broke out after the soccer celebrations, Nuñe confirmed. He also said that several firefighters were attacked while responding to car fires.
Additionally, four family members were injured after a car accidentally “careered into fans celebrating PSG’s win in Grenoble in southeastern France,” Le Monde reported. The driver handed himself in to the police and was placed under arrest. He tested negative for alcohol and drugs, according to the outlet.
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“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,” French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau wrote on X.
“I have asked the internal security forces to respond vigorously to these atrocities. I offer my support to the Prefect of Police and all the police officers who are ensuring everyone’s safety this evening,” he added. “It is unbearable that it is impossible to celebrate without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”
Paris Saint-Germain is set to go ahead with a 90-minute victory parade on the Champs-Élysées today, according to the BBC.
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