Paris Saint-Germain fans celebrate Champions League victory amid unrest
Paris Saint-Germain fans gathered at the Champ de Mars to celebrate their team’s victory in the Champions League final against Arsenal, following a penalty shootout.
Over 780 individuals were detained amid post-match disturbances, highlighting the tensions surrounding major sports events and their potential societal impact in Paris.
“Doing it once is history, twice is legend,” remarked Paris captain Marquinhos following his team’s triumphant celebration in Paris after the Champions League final.
PSG: Champions League winners celebrate return to Paris after Budapest triumph
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The day after Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Arsenal in the Champions League final, fans of Luis Enrique’s team took to the Champ de Mars to celebrate the two-time European champions returning from Budapest.
Marquinhos: “Doing it once is history, twice is legend”
On the famous park near the Eiffel Tower, giant screens had been set up to relive the key moments of the match: Arsenal’s early lead through Havertz, and PSG’s equaliser scored by Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. Then came the battle through to the 120th minute before victory in the penalty shootout.
“Doing it once is history, twice is legend,” commented Paris captain Marquinhos, who delivered a superb performance and made a particularly moving and sporting gesture. After Gabriel’s decisive missed penalty, before joining his teammates in celebration, Marquinhos ran over to embrace and comfort the opposing player.
Clashes overnight followed by a day of celebration
After the parade, the team was greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron, before an additional public celebration at the Parc des Princes to display the trophy. Now, after a short rest (brief, given that many players are away with their national teams in Canada, the United States and Mexico for the World Cup), the Paris champions face a new challenge: maintaining their level, defending the title, and perhaps aiming for a third consecutive triumph next season.
While Sunday was marked by celebrations, the French capital was also hit by serious disturbances during the night, with 780 people detained, more than 280 injuries, and an investigation opened into a death, which may be linked to the incidents following the final.