Celebrations in Paris have spiralled into chaos on as Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory parade was marred by violent clashes between fans and riot police.
Tens of thousands of supporters flooded the streets of the French capital to mark PSG’s historic 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan in Munich – a result that saw the club lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in its history.
But the jubilant atmosphere soon gave way to unrest, as tensions flared between sections of the crowd and police. Projectiles were thrown, and riot officers responded with tear gas and water cannons in an attempt to regain control.
It is believed that the clashes intensified after the crowd exceeded the official limit of 110,000 people, with the resulting overcrowding leading to heightened tensions and confrontations between fans and police.
President Emmanuel Marcon has condemned the clashes, saying: ‘Thank you for being here at the Élysée Palace, where this team belongs. We are in a moment of joy, but nothing can justify what has happened in the last few hours.
‘The events are unacceptable; they have deprived our compatriots of happiness. Two people are dead. The nation is in mourning. We will punish; we will be relentless. That’s not football.’
The recent violence follows a tragic stabbing of a teenager and the arrest of 559 people amid intense nationwide unrest overnight.
‘He was part of a crowd celebrating the PSG win in designated fanzone, and died from his wounds in hospital’ said a local police spokesman, without naming the deceased.
‘An investigation is underway, and CCTV is being used to try and find those responsible.’
A 23-year-old man riding a scooter in central Paris was also killed after being struck by a vehicle, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Despite the violence, there was a carnival atmosphere in Paris as fans waved flags, lit flares and belted out the Queen anthem ‘We Are The Champions’.
An open top double-decker bus in the PSG colours of blue, red and white, with the words ‘Champions D’Europe’ written on it, made its way slowly down the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman of club owners Qatar Sports Investments, and head coach Luis Enrique – who won the Champions League in 2015 with Barcelona and became the seventh manager to lift the trophy with two different clubs – led the celebrations.
The trophy was passed down the bus to every player, who were proudly wearing their winner’s medals.
Defender Presnel Kimpembe grabbed the microphone to sing ‘Ici c’est Paris!’ (This is Paris) and captain Marquinhos urged FIFA to reward Ousmane Dembele for his efforts by saying ‘Ousmane, Ballon d’Or.’
After the parade, the players and staff were received at the Elysee Palace by French president Macron.
‘At last it’s Paris,’ said Macron. ‘A lot of people know that as a teenage, 32 years ago, I was supporting the OM (Olympique Marseille) team in Munich.
‘Now the Paris team has carried off the Champions League and you did it in a most sublime, fantastic way.
‘You brought Paris to the top of Europe and you gave us all something to live for and be excited about together.
‘It is a team with willpower, ambition and a sense of solidarity.
‘That’s the football we like to see and that’s the football you showed us – and I would like to say to Luis Enrique, ‘We owe a lot to you for this victory’.
‘You did it, finally Paris won, and this victory owes a lot to you Mr President (Al-Khelaifi). For 14 years you’ve been through a lot and you’ve always defended the club, the city and French football.
‘There were years where it was hard for Qatar, but they kept believing in PSG.’
The celebrations will conclude at the Parc des Princes on Sunday evening with a trophy presentation in front of the club’s season ticket holders.
There will also be a closing lap of honour from the players.
