What began as jubilant celebrations across Paris on Saturday evening quickly spiraled into chaos following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) win over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final. The festive atmosphere descended into violence as riots erupted in multiple parts of the French capital, leading to widespread destruction, injuries, and arrests.

The scenes of unrest unfolded around key locations like the Champs-Élysées and Parc des Princes, where around 50,000 fans had gathered to watch the match on large public screens. As reported by AFP, at least two people lost their lives during the mayhem, and authorities detained nearly 560 individuals in connection with the unrest.

In the aftermath of PSG’s historic win, flares illuminated the night sky and fireworks cracked above cheering crowds, but the celebration soon turned violent. Streets were littered with debris as vehicles burned, bus stops were destroyed, and public property was vandalized. Video clips circulating online showed street battles between riot police and groups of youths, with officers deploying tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets in an attempt to regain control.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence in a statement on social media, describing the rioters as “criminals” and accusing them of exploiting the occasion to loot shops and attack emergency personnel. “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,” he said.

PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé called for peace in a post-match interview, urging fans to “celebrate responsibly” and “respect the city.”

In anticipation of potential disturbances, authorities had already deployed over 5,400 police officers citywide. The Guardian reported that tear gas and pepper spray were used by law enforcement near the Champs-Élysées in response to escalating tensions.

This isn’t the first time fan celebrations have turned violent. Just three weeks earlier, when PSG secured their place in the final with a narrow 2-1 victory over Arsenal, similar scenes played out in Paris. A car had plowed into a crowd before being torched, and dozens of arrests followed after clashes between fans and riot police.

As investigations continue and Paris reels from yet another night of football-fueled violence, questions are being raised over how such events can be better managed in the future, even as PSG celebrates one of the most dominant performances in Champions League history.