One football fan has died and another is in intensive care following widespread violence across France after Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) UEFA Champions League victory over Arsenal over the weekend.
According to Mail Online, riots broke out in at least 15 cities, including Paris, Rennes, Strasbourg, and Grenoble, as celebrations turned chaotic.
Authorities confirmed that one supporter died after crashing his motorbike into a concrete block, while another, a 17-year-old, is in intensive care after being stabbed multiple times near the Champs-Élysées. A separate 23-year-old also died in the motorbike crash.
In Paris alone, the prosecutors’ office said 277 people were placed in police custody, including 82 minors, on allegations ranging from assault on police officers to theft, vandalism, and disturbing public order.
Reports also indicated that fans set fires, vandalised shops, and attempted to storm a police station in central Paris during the unrest.
A serious incident further occurred when a driver reportedly lost control of a vehicle and crashed into a restaurant terrace, injuring two people, one of them critically.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said a total of 57 police officers were injured during the disturbances, noting that violence spread across 15 cities nationwide.
Despite the unrest, planned celebrations for PSG’s victory are expected to continue at the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower, with authorities warning of a strong security response to any further violence.
The team is also expected to be received by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.