Two people tragically died in France in the aftermath of Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League success as celebrations descended into clashes with the police.
A 17-year-old boy was stabbed in the chest and a 20-year-old woman was hit by a vehicle carrying supporters, per reports in France.
A total of 426 people were arrested, including 417 in Paris with 216 people being held in police custody, 207 in Paris, as of Sunday morning.
Tensions arose following Saturday night’s game with 13 police officers and 192 others injured.
As early as half-time, with PSG up 2-0 thanks to goals from Achraf Hakimi and Desire Doue, law enforcement used a water cannon at the Champs-Élysées.
Police claimed it was to “protect the Place de l’Étoile, as the barrier set up had been broken through by a large crowd of people not watching the match, pushing to come into contact with the police”.
That area is said to have been emptied peacefully in the early hours of the morning but other areas saw fights and shops looted. However the night did not pass without teargas being deployed and batons brandished.
Firefighters were forced to bring 148 fires under control as 46 vehicles were set alight. Missiles were thrown at police.
Shocking footage on social media showed chaotic scenes as police armed with batons clashed with rioting people across the city. close to where thousands of fans had congregated. Between 2,000 and 3,000 people had gathered on the Champs-Élysées alone.
France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau gave his view on riots in no uncertain terms. Taking to social media, he stated: “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.”
While the Champs-Élysées still bears the scars of last night’s trouble, the area is currently still set to host the PSG stars’ parade on Sunday afternoon. A special celebration is planned to mark the club’s first success in the competition with giant screens, speakers and music to be put in place.
PSG claimed a 5-0 victory over Inter Milan to set the record for the largest ever win in the tournament’s final.
Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring before teenage superstar Desire Doue scored a brace. Inter woes continued as Khicha Kvaratskhelia extended the lead.
Paris-born ace Senny Mayulu, 19, rounded of the scoring on the night as Luis Enrique became the seventh person to win the Champions League with two different teams, having previously won with Barcelona in 2015.
Mirror
