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2025 Paris Saint-Germain celebration riots
Football riots in Paris, France From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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On 31 May 2025, celebratory riots broke out in Paris, France following Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final. Celebrations quickly escalated into widespread riots, resulting in two fatalities, over 190 injuries, and more than 500 arrests across France.[5]
 | This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. (June 2025) |
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Background
Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) UEFA Champions League victory was the club's first ever title in the competition, making them the second French club to win the Champions League after Marseille in 1993. PSG is the most popular club in France, with 22% of the country rooting for them and 35 million fans world wide.[6][7] PSG fans and ultras are noted as some of the most devoted in football.[8]
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Riots
The riots began in Paris around the Parc des Princes stadium and quickly spread to other areas, including the Champs-Élysées.[9] PSG fans vandalized public infrastructure, launched fireworks causing trash can fires, confronted police, and set vehicles on fire.[10] Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Violent clashes between fans and police were reported throughout the night.[11]
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Aftermath
The riots sparked backlash and criticism. President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement “Nothing can justify what has happened in the last few hours, the violent clashes are unacceptable.” Macron also said the rioters didn't represent the majority of PSG's supporters.[12] Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the rioters and called them "barbarians" which drew accusations of racism from left-wing figures.[13]
In response to the unrest, PSG announced plans for a victory parade on the Champs-Élysées. The parade was held the following day with heightened security measures to prevent further incidents.[14]
Criticism was also placed on law enforcement by members of the left-wing to far-left La France Insoumise party, with some members believing law enforcement escalated the situation and were preventing people from celebrating.[15]
Several French citizens of immigrant background went on social media to denounce others of immigrant background for the looting and violence.[16]
References
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