Paris Saint-Germain fans were tear gassed by police in ugly clashes after Luis Enrique’s side won the Champions League. A 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich was marked by wild celebrations in Paris, with some cars set ablaze close to the club’s stadium.
Thousands of PSG supporters took to the streets to celebrate their team’s incredible 5-0 thrashing of Inter. Many marked the occasion peacefully, but the party soon took a wild turn. Groups of fans clashed with police throughout the evening and into the night. Fireworks were set off and cars were set alight. Videos shared on social media show individuals throwing missiles at the police. Officers used tear gas in a desperate attempt to maintain order. Smoke from fireworks and flares billowed into the night sky.
Around 48,000 watched the match inside PSG’s Parc des Princes home and continued the party into the night. Close to the stadium, police wielding batons clashed with supporters. At least 81 people are said to have been arrested following the chaos.
French interior minister Bruno Retailleau wrote on social media: “True PSG fans are getting excited about their team’s magnificent performance. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement.
“I have asked the internal security forces to react vigorously to these abuses. I offer my support to the police prefect and all the police officers who are ensuring everyone’s safety this evening. It is unbearable that it is not possible to party without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”
PSG forward Ousmane Dembele had also pleaded with fans in a post-match interview: “Let’s celebrate this but not tear everything up in Paris.”
Over 5,000 police officers were deployed across Paris and the traffic around the Arc de Triomphe was blocked from midday on Saturday. Police were anticipating wild scenes regardless of the outcome of the Champions League final.
PSG and Inter fans also clashed in Munich ahead of the match. Local media reported supporters throwing stones at each other at Frottmaning station while travelling to the Allianz Arena for the final. Travel disruption was also caused by people walking along train tracks.
It comes weeks after PSG’s semi-final victory over Arsenal on May 7 prompted 47 arrests and left three people injured after being hit by a car.
