What was supposed to be a night of celebration turned into a dangerous riot in the streets of Paris. Following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) massive 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final, the French capital quickly descended into chaos.
Instead of just waving flags and cheering for their team, supporters lit fires, looted stores, destroyed property, and clashed violently with police throughout Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters gather holding flares in Paris early June 1, 2025, during celebrations following their 5-0 victory in the UEFA Champions League final football match against Inter Milan held in Munich. (Photo by Nael Chahine / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by NAEL CHAHINE/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
According to reports, at least 294 people were arrested, and that number is expected to climb. Video footage from the scene shows streets filled with smoke, shattered glass, and mobs of rioters overwhelming law enforcement. Some carried makeshift explosive devices, others smashed bus stops with hammers, and cars were set ablaze.
What began as a major victory for French soccer — PSG crushing Inter Milan in a European Cup final — quickly spiraled into lawlessness. Crowds gathered in key parts of the city, particularly along the famous Champs-Élysées, where about 30 of the arrests happened after looters stormed a Foot Locker store.
Even worse, the violence took a political turn. During the game, banners reading “Stop genocide in Gaza” and “Free Palestine” were waved by fans. UEFA, which runs the Champions League, bans political messaging during matches, and PSG could now face disciplinary action or hefty fines for allowing this on their watch.
Photos and videos on social media show a city that looked more like a war zone than a celebration. Fire hydrants were torn out, streets flooded, and police forces were attacked while trying to restore order.
“True PSG fans are getting excited about their team’s magnificent performance,” said France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. “Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement.”
He added:
“It is unbearable that it is not possible to party without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”
Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s populist National Rally party, didn’t hold back his criticism of the government’s failure to prepare for the chaos.
“The security risk of this evening was clearly underestimated, and the response was undersized. Paris is being handed over to the rioters,” Bardella said. “As with every popular festival, the French capital becomes a playground for thugs. Always the same profiles and always the same state impotence.”
He added that France’s global image was once again “tarnished” by scenes of unchecked street violence, calling out the government for talking tough but failing to act.
“Bruno Retailleau speaks of ‘barbarians’ in the streets of Paris: tonight we have further proof that words, even harsh ones, will never replace action. He will have to explain this fiasco.”
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 31: Clashes break out between police and fans as supporters celebrate following Paris Saint-Germain defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League football final match held in the Munich Football Arena, on May 31, 2025, in Paris, France. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images)
It wasn’t just the capital that suffered. In the city of Grenoble, a car plowed into a crowd celebrating the match. Four people were injured, two seriously, and the driver has been arrested.
The night’s chaos raises important questions — not just about soccer fans getting out of hand, but about France’s growing problem with public order, uncontrolled protests, and urban violence. As usual, it wasn’t just soccer supporters celebrating. Opportunists and agitators used the event to push political agendas, riot, and break the law.
And just like we’ve seen in cities across the world, the combination of weak leadership and lawless crowds turns national celebrations into national embarrassments.
With global eyes on Paris ahead of the 2026 Olympics and other international events, many are now wondering: Is this what France wants the world to see?
