French President Emmanuel Macron praised Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) back-to-back UEFA Champions League triumphs as a “great pride for the country,” even as violent clashes erupted in Paris following the final victory over Arsenal, according to multiple reports. The celebrations turned chaotic, with 780 arrests and 57 police injuries, as authorities condemned the “unacceptable” violence, while PSG players and fans expressed mixed emotions about the team’s historic achievement.
Macron Celebrates PSG’s Triumph, Condemns Post-Match Violence
Macron hailed PSG’s second consecutive Champions League title as a “great pride for the country,” calling the team’s success a testament to “heart and passion” in a speech at the Elysée Palace. The president acknowledged the club’s “unparalleled talent and experience” but sharply criticized the violent scenes that followed the 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in Budapest on Saturday. “These acts of violence are unacceptable,” Macron said, referencing the riots that marred the celebrations in Paris and other cities. The remarks were reported by news.google.com.
The president’s comments echoed those of PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who urged fans to celebrate “responsibly” after the club’s second consecutive European title. Al-Khelaifi’s plea came amid reports of 500 arrests and a death in Paris, according to Kooora, which also noted the club’s emphasis on maintaining “sportsmanship and peace” during the festivities.
Violence Overshadows Historic Win
The post-match celebrations devolved into chaos, with police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds in Paris. Over 780 people were arrested nationwide, including 480 in the Paris region, as reported by Sky News Arabia. The violence included burning cars, clashes with officers, and the deployment of 22,000 police across France, with 8,000 stationed in Paris. A 25-year-old fan, Abu, described the tension during the penalty shootout: “It was a positive tension, but we were scared until the end.”
The unrest marked a stark contrast to the jubilant scenes at Place de la Concorde, where 100,000 fans gathered to welcome the team. PSG players and staff, including star Kylian Mbappé, were escorted through a red, blue, and white carpet as fans chanted “Paris, Paris.
