French authorities reported Sunday that two people died and a police officer was left in a coma following large-scale celebrations across the country after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won the Champions League—Europe’s most prestigious soccer tournament.
A 17-year-old was fatally stabbed in Dax during PSG celebrations following Saturday night’s final in Munich, according to the national police. In Paris, a man died when his scooter collided with a car during the festivities, the Interior Ministry stated. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
In Coutance, northwest France, a police officer suffered serious eye injuries from a firework accident and has been placed in an induced coma, the police reported.
Although most of the celebrations were peaceful, some turned violent, leading to hundreds of arrests.
PSG’s squad is set to return to a hero’s welcome on the Champs-Élysées Sunday, after defeating Inter Milan 5-0 to win their first-ever Champions League title.
Authorities deployed a water cannon near the Arc de Triomphe to secure the Place de l’Étoile. Police said a large crowd not watching the match attempted to breach a barricade to confront officers.
By 2 a.m. Sunday, police had made 294 arrests, including 30 individuals who broke into a shoe store on the Champs-Élysées. Two cars were also set on fire near Parc des Princes.
At Place de la Bastille, fans gathered in high spirits—singing, dancing, and lighting flares as they celebrated on and around the base of the iconic column. Motorbikes circled the area to cheers from the crowd. With no police present, the scene remained lively and peaceful as the night went on.
Anticipating potential unrest, officials had stationed 5,400 officers across the Champs-Élysées, other key locations in Paris, and surrounding suburbs.