22 Police Officers Injured, 1 in Coma Amid Chaos in Paris after PSG’s CL Win
The city of Paris witnessed a chaotic scene following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) historic victory in the Champions League (CL) finals. As fans took to the streets to celebrate the team’s first-ever CL win, a stampede ensued, resulting in widespread destruction and injuries. Amid the mayhem, 22 police officers and seven firefighters were injured, with one officer being put in an induced coma.
The incident occurred on August 24, 2021, when PSG defeated German club Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Champions League final. As the news of the victory spread, fans in Paris took to the streets to celebrate, blocking roads and setting off fireworks. However, the celebrations soon turned violent, with reports of vandalism, looting, and clashes between fans and law enforcement.
According to reports, the chaos was so intense that it took law enforcement authorities over an hour to regain control of the situation. During the chaos, 22 police officers were injured, with one officer being seriously hurt by fireworks. The officer was rushed to the hospital and put in an induced coma due to the severity of his injuries.
The police officer who was put in an induced coma was identified as a 38-year-old man who was part of the riot police unit. His condition remains critical, and his family has been informed of the situation.
Apart from the police officer, 192 people were injured during the celebrations, with many more reported to have been treated for minor injuries. Seven firefighters were also injured while attempting to put out fires and rescue those trapped in the chaos.
In addition to the injuries, the celebrations also resulted in widespread destruction, with reports of looting, vandalism, and property damage. The city’s mayor, Anne Hidalgo, condemned the violence and called for calm, urging fans to respect the city’s laws and regulations.
As the situation unfolded, authorities were forced to deploy anti-riot police and emergency services to contain the chaos. The police were seen using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, while firefighters worked to put out fires and rescue those trapped.
In the aftermath of the chaos, authorities arrested a total of 559 people, many of whom were fans who had gathered to celebrate PSG’s victory. The arrested individuals were taken into custody and are facing charges related to rioting, vandalism, and other offenses.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of excessive celebrations and the importance of maintaining public order. While fans have every right to celebrate their team’s victories, it is essential that they do so peacefully and respectfully, without causing harm to others or damaging property.
In conclusion, the chaos that erupted in Paris following PSG’s Champions League win serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of responsible celebrations. While the team’s victory was a historic moment for fans, the ensuing chaos and violence were a stark reminder of the need for responsible behavior.
