Paris descended into chaos on Sunday night as celebrations over Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League victory in Munich turned violent, leading to widespread rioting and looting.
French police were forced to intervene as large crowds gathered in the capital following PSG’s dramatic win. Amid the unrest, a now-viral moment captured a police officer punching one of the rioters who had been involved in looting and destruction in the city center.
What began as jubilant scenes quickly spiraled into lawlessness as some individuals took advantage of the situation to vandalize shops, set fires, and clash with law enforcement. Hundreds of fans poured into the streets to celebrate PSG’s European glory, but pockets of the crowd soon turned violent.
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Eyewitness footage from the streets of Paris shows riot police confronting groups of masked individuals, with debris scattered across several commercial districts. One officer was caught on video delivering a punch to a looter during an attempt to restore order—a moment that has since sparked both support and debate online.
Authorities had deployed a significant number of officers in anticipation of unrest. Tear gas and water cannons were used in some areas to disperse unruly crowds. At least several dozen arrests were made, and multiple injuries were reported, including among police officers.
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French officials condemned the violence, emphasizing that such behavior tarnishes the spirit of sport and endangers public safety. “We celebrate victories with pride and respect, not by destroying our own city,” one Paris official stated.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final win, their first-ever European title, was meant to be a night of celebration for the city and French football fans. Instead, the headlines have been dominated by the clashes and destruction that followed.
The club has not yet issued a statement on the post-match violence, but calls are growing for PSG and city authorities to address the aftermath and promote peaceful celebration in the future.
Investigations into the rioting and looting are ongoing, with French police reviewing surveillance footage and social media videos to identify those responsible. The incident has reignited discussions around how to manage large public celebrations in urban spaces—especially when emotions run high after major sporting events.
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