In a shocking turn of events, two fans lost their lives and a police officer is currently in a coma following the nationwide celebrations for Paris Saint-Germain's monumental victory in the UEFA Champions League, the pinnacle of European soccer, as reported by French authorities on Sunday. The celebrations, which took place after PSG's triumph in the final against Inter Milan, were intended to be a joyous occasion but ended in tragedy.
During a street party in the city of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was tragically stabbed to death. This incident occurred amid the revelry that marked PSG's Champions League win, as confirmed by the national police service. In a separate incident in Paris, a man was fatally injured when his scooter was struck by a car during the celebrations, according to statements from the interior minister's office. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding both fatalities.
In addition to the fatalities, a police officer suffered serious injuries after being accidentally struck by fireworks in Coutance, located in northwest France. The officer has been placed in an artificial coma due to severe eye injuries, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the festivities, as noted by the national police service.
While the majority of the PSG celebrations remained peaceful, incidents of violence did arise, leading to hundreds of arrests. By 2 a.m. on Sunday, a total of 294 arrests had been made across various locations, including 30 individuals who broke into a shoe shop on the renowned Champs-Élysées. Additionally, two vehicles were set ablaze near Parc des Princes, indicating that not all celebrations were without incident.
Despite the violence, there were also moments of joy and celebration. At the Place de la Bastille, ecstatic fans climbed onto the base of the iconic column, singing, dancing, and igniting flares. The atmosphere was festive, with motorbikes revving their engines, and the crowd cheering in delight as they celebrated PSG's first Champions League title with a commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan.
In anticipation of potential unrest following the match, security measures were heightened. A total of 5,400 police officers were deployed across the Champs-Élysées, key areas of Paris, and surrounding suburbs to maintain order during the celebrations. The deployment aimed to ensure the safety of both fans and the general public during this historic event.
Following their historic win, PSG is set to hold a grand parade on the Champs-Élysées on Sunday, celebrating their remarkable achievement in European soccer. Fans are expected to gather in large numbers to honor their team's success, while authorities will likely maintain a significant police presence to ensure safety and prevent any incidents.
