At least two people have died and more than 500 have been arrested in France during celebrations marking Paris St Germain’s historic Champions League win over Inter Milan. French officials said that 192 others were injured during the festivities, which turned violent in parts of the country.According to the interior ministry’s update on Sunday, police arrested 559 people nationwide, with 491 of those arrests taking place in Paris. Of those detained, 320 remain in custody — 254 of them in the capital.The violence and chaos overshadowed PSG’s first Champions League triumph, with tragic incidents reported in different parts of the country. In Paris, a young man in his twenties died after a vehicle collision, while in the southwestern city of Dax, a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed, according to French media.Police chief Laurent Nunez told reporters that an investigation would determine whether the Paris fatality was directly linked to the celebrations. “At this stage, it appears to be connected,” he said.The Champs Elysees, the iconic avenue at the heart of the capital, was the scene of significant unrest as jubilant crowds smashed bus shelters, hurled projectiles at riot police, and set off fires. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowds. Authorities also reported over 200 vehicles torched across France.The violence left 22 police officers and seven firefighters injured.Nunez warned that further disturbances could occur on Sunday when PSG is scheduled to parade their Champions League trophy along the Champs Elysees, followed by a celebration with fans at Parc des Princes stadium.“We’re only at halftime, so to speak,” he said. “This afternoon’s parade will be restricted to those attending the event, with a maximum capacity set at just over 100,000 people. No one else will be allowed in. Later this evening, PSG will host a celebration at the Parc des Princes, and we also expect gatherings at Place de la Porte de Saint-Cloud. We will respond in a firm but measured way if there are attempts to block the ring road, attack law enforcement, or cause further damage.”Ahead of the final, Paris had already deployed 5,400 officers in anticipation of large-scale celebrations following PSG’s expected victory.
