Celebrations Gone Wild: PSG Fans Chaos Leads to Tragic Deaths and Hundreds of Arrests
A pair of fans have died, a police officer is in a coma, and hundreds of people have been arrested following massive celebrations throughout France after Paris-Saint-Germain's (PSG) Champions League victory, officials said on Sunday. The tragic events unfolded after PSG clinched its first Champions League title on Saturday, defeating Inter Milan 5-0 at the Allianz Arena in Germany.
In the city of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was stabbed during a PSG street party on Saturday night. A second man in his 20s was killed in Paris when his scooter was hit by a car during similar celebrations. Both instances are being investigated, though officials believe the deaths were linked to the celebrations. The driver in the second death has been detained.
In Coutance, a police officer was accidentally hit by a firework and placed into a coma due to "grave eye injuries." Nearly 200 people were injured around the capital, four seriously, and nearly 300 people had been arrested by 2 a.m. on Sunday.
In a statement, the team expressed their condolences and said, "These isolated acts are contrary to the clubs' values, and don't at all represent the immense majority of our fans."
The official celebration took place on Sunday afternoon, when more than 100,000 people were expected to attend the parade in Paris and a subsequent celebration at Parc des Princes stadium. The team rode an open-air bus with the trophy throughout the parade route, and then they arrived at their stadium for a concert and celebration seemingly without much issue.
However, the violence is not the first of its kind in recent weeks in Europe following a soccer championship. At least 50 fans were injured after a man drove his car into a crowd at a parade celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title.
French interior minister Bruno Retailleau expressed his anger over the events, saying, "I am angry today, like many French people. When parents panic because their child has gone out to celebrate a major sports victory, that's unbearable."
The tragic events highlight the need for responsible behavior during celebrations and the importance of public safety measures during large gatherings. As PSG continues to celebrate its historic victory, it is crucial that fans remember to celebrate in a safe and respectful manner.
