PSG Victory Celebrations in Paris Turn Violent: Tear Gas, Arrests, and Car Fires

Paris Celebrates PSG's Champions League Victory, But Celebrations Turn Violent Paris, France - The joyous celebrations that followed Paris Saint-Germain's first-ever Champions League victory on May 31, 2025, took a dark turn as clashes erupted between revelers and police. The event, which saw thousands of fans take to the streets, quickly devolved into chaos in several locations across the city. The Champs-Élysées, typically a scene of elegant calm, became a battleground as police used tear gas to disperse unruly crowds. Videos circulating online show officers confronting groups of people, some of whom threw objects and engaged in vandalism. Similar scenes unfolded on the Paris ring road, where at least two cars were set ablaze. "It was terrifying," said one eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous. "The atmosphere shifted so quickly from pure joy to utter pandemonium. The tear gas was overwhelming." Authorities had anticipated large celebrations and deployed approximately 5,400 police officers across Paris. Despite this significant presence, police made over 130 arrests by shortly after midnight. A Foot Locker store was also reportedly looted, with around 30 people detained in connection to the incident. While the victory was a momentous occasion for PSG and its fans, the events of the night serve as a reminder of the potential for even the most joyous celebrations to turn violent. The city now faces the task of assessing the damage and ensuring future celebrations are managed more effectively.