Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Eiffel Tower glowed in PSG colours on Saturday after Paris Saint-Germain retained the Champions League title by defeating Arsenal in a penalty shootout. Soon after the final whistle, thousands of supporters took over the streets waving flags, lighting flares and chanting in celebration.
By midnight, however, the visuals coming out of Paris looked very different. Vehicles were set ablaze, bus shelters and shop windows were smashed, and thick smoke rose in the area. Groups of people clashed with police, while fireworks and stones were hurled in the streets. What began as a night of celebration after PSG’s historic triumph spiralled into chaos.
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VICTORY CELEBRATIONS ERUPT INTO CHAOS
The iconic Champs-Elysees became the centre of the festivities as an estimated 20,000 fans gathered along the avenue. But as the night progressed, celebrations turned violent.
The atmosphere in parts of Paris resembled a riot scene rather than a football celebration.
Authorities reported that more than 260 vehicles were set on fire during the night. Bus shelters were damaged and several businesses suffered vandalism.
Near PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium, where tens of thousands watched the match on giant screens, police said between 4,000 and 5,000 people remained outside the venue.
According to officials, projectiles were thrown at officers and around 150 people attempted to force their way through one of the stadium gates. Police units responded with tear gas after fireworks were directed towards security personnel.
HUNDREDS ARRESTED AFTER VIOLENT CLASHES
According to French authorities, hundreds of arrests were made nationwide. Reports said more than 780 people were detained across France, with nearly 500 arrests recorded in Paris alone. More than 450 people were reportedly taken into custody for further investigation.
Authorities also reported cases of theft and looting as crowds moved through parts of Paris. In several incidents, individuals were found carrying weapons that were not legally permitted. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the unrest was “absolutely unacceptable.”
At least 57 police officers were reported injured during the disturbances, while hundreds of civilians were also hurt in incidents linked to the celebrations. Officials said 219 people suffered injuries, with eight reported to be in serious condition.
Elsewhere, supporters briefly occupied sections of the Paris ring road, disrupting traffic and setting off flares.
Ahead of the match, authorities had already taken precautions. Many shops boarded up their windows, recalling similar scenes that followed PSG’s Champions League success last year.
France deployed around 22,000 police officers nationwide for the final, including thousands stationed in Paris. Metro stations were closed, tram services suspended, and bus routes altered in an attempt to prevent disorder.
CHAOS SPARKS POLITICAL BLAME GAME
The unrest quickly sparked political reactions.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticised the violence and questioned why football celebrations repeatedly descended into disorder.
“Only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots,” she wrote on X.
“Only in France does everyone feel compelled to lock themselves in their homes on the evening of a victory to avoid being confronted with violence,” she added.
Nunez defended the large security operation but acknowledged that some groups had arrived with the intention of causing trouble.
“The vast majority go out to celebrate and it goes very well,” he said.
“But other individuals, who are not PSG supporters, who don’t even watch the match, come to cause trouble and disturbances. We are here to prevent them from doing so. Our response is very firm.”
PSG PARADE TO GO AHEAD AFTER NIGHT OF CHAOS
Despite the unrest, PSG’s celebrations are set to continue.
The team is expected to parade through Paris on Sunday, with crowds gathering near the Eiffel Tower and Champ-de-Mars. Officials expect around 100,000 supporters to attend. French President Emmanuel Macron is also scheduled to welcome the players at the Elysee Palace.
Security remains tight ahead of the celebrations, with thousands of officers deployed across the capital.
– Ends
With inputs from agencies
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
