**Tragedy Mars PSG’s Champions League Triumph: Two Dead, Police Officer in Coma After Violent Celebrations**
Celebrations marking Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) first-ever UEFA Champions League victory descended into chaos on Saturday evening, leaving two people dead and a police officer critically injured amidst a wave of violence in various French cities.
Initial jubilation quickly gave way to turmoil as large crowds gathered, particularly in Paris and the south-western city of Dax. The national police reported that a 17-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being stabbed during spontaneous street celebrations in Dax. Elsewhere, in the French capital, a man died when his scooter collided with a car amid revelry linked to PSG’s historic win, according to the Ministry of the Interior. Both incidents are currently the focus of ongoing police investigations, with authorities appealing for witnesses and information.
Further distressing reports came from north-west France, where a police officer suffered severe eye injuries after being accidentally struck by fireworks. The officer has since been placed in an induced coma, with medical teams continuing to monitor his condition closely. The national police service said the incident appears to have been unintentional but highlighted the risks officers face during such large-scale public gatherings.
Despite hopes for a night of joyful celebration, violent outbreaks occurred in certain areas, overshadowing what should have been a defining moment for French football. Video clips circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes unfolding on Parisian streets. Police equipped with riot gear and batons clashed with groups of fans, deploying extensive amounts of tear gas as thousands gathered on the Champs-Élysées and its surrounding districts. Eyewitness footage illustrated the scale of the disorder as officers sought to manage swelling crowds and rioting individuals.
Law enforcement responded by making a significant number of arrests overnight. According to figures reported by local media, a total of 426 people were detained across the country, with Paris accounting for the bulk of the arrests—417 in total. By Sunday morning, 216 individuals remained in police custody as investigations into the night’s events continued. During the unrest, 13 police officers and nearly 200 civilians sustained injuries, further underscoring the intense confrontations that marred the occasion.
France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, publicly condemned the violence via a statement on social media. He contrasted the genuine excitement of “true PSG fans” with the actions of what he termed as “barbarians” intent on committing criminal acts and provoking law enforcement. Retailleau called on security forces to respond robustly to such abuses, offering his support to both the Police Prefect and all officers on duty.
“It is unbearable that one cannot celebrate without fear of a minority of thugs who respect nothing,” the minister declared, reaffirming the government’s commitment to public order and safety.
While the majority of PSG supporters celebrated peacefully, the profound impact of the night’s violence has cast a shadow over an otherwise landmark moment in French sporting history. Community leaders and residents have since called for calm, urging supporters to express their joy responsibly and to cooperate with police as investigations progress.
As France reflects on the events of Saturday night, questions are again being asked about security measures at major public gatherings and the factors leading to such tragic outcomes. For now, the focus remains on supporting the injured, comforting the bereaved, and learning lessons to prevent similar incidents in the future.