Paris saw a mix of celebration and chaos on Saturday night after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) claimed their first Champions League title. The team triumphed over Inter Milan with an impressive score of 5-0 in Munich, marking the largest victory in a Champions League final.
As the news spread, fans flooded the streets of Paris, igniting flares and fireworks in jubilation. However, the festivities quickly turned tumultuous. Around 5,400 police officers were deployed to manage the large crowds, particularly along the famous Champs-Élysées. Officers used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse groups that began to clash with police.
Reports indicated that a significant crowd attempted to break through barriers to get closer to the police. In response, authorities utilized water cannons to maintain order near the Arc de Triomphe. The situation escalated with 131 arrests made, including 30 individuals who vandalized a shoe store. Nearby, two cars were set ablaze, adding to the unrest.
PSG striker Ousmane Dembele urged fans to keep the celebration peaceful, saying, "Let’s celebrate this but not tear everything up in Paris." His call for calm came after thousands of supporters tried to rush the field at the Allianz Arena in Munich following the final whistle.
The excitement of the victory was palpable, with Desire Doue, a 19-year-old player who scored two goals in the final, expressing his gratitude to the fans: "I don’t have words. But what I can say is, ‘Thank you Paris, we did it.’"
Even French President Emmanuel Macron, a supporter of rival Olympique de Marseille, celebrated the win, calling it a "glorious day for PSG" and acknowledging Paris as "the capital of Europe this evening." Macron’s office announced that he would host the players at the Elysee Palace, and a victory parade is planned down the Champs-Élysées.
While the night started with excitement and joy, it also highlighted the challenges of managing large crowds during major celebrations. The contrasting scenes of joy and unrest serve as a reminder of the passion that football ignites in fans.