PARIS — Two people died and a police officer is in a coma following mass celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain’s historic UEFA Champions League win, French authorities reported on Sunday.
A 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during a PSG street celebration in Dax, while in Paris, a man died after his scooter was struck by a car amid the festivities. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
In Coutance, northwest France, a police officer suffered severe eye injuries after being accidentally hit by fireworks and is currently in an induced coma.
Though most celebrations were peaceful, violence broke out in some areas. By 2 a.m. Sunday, police had made 294 arrests, including 30 suspects who broke into a shoe store on the Champs-Élysées. Two cars were also set on fire near Parc des Princes.
PSG’s team is expected to return to a hero’s welcome and a parade on the Champs-Élysées after defeating Inter Milan 5–0 in the final — their first-ever Champions League title.
Water cannons were used near the Arc de Triomphe to control crowds attempting to breach police lines. In contrast, celebrations at the Place de la Bastille remained jubilant and peaceful, with fans singing, dancing, and setting off flares late into the night.
To prepare for the potential unrest, 5,400 police officers had been deployed throughout Paris and its suburbs.
Source: The Associated Press
