Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Netanyahu: If Lebanese Army takes steps to disarm Hezbollah, Israel will engage in reciprocal measures, including phased reduction of Israeli military presence in Lebanon
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Photojournalist Houssam Al-Masri martyred, reporters Hatem Omar, Mohammad Ashraf Salameh injured in Israeli strike on Nasser Medical Complex.
Israeli media: Intense US efforts are being made to resolve differences, such as the issue of the Israeli presence on Mount Hermon and in southern Syria
Israeli media: The security agreement means amending the disengagement agreement, which will also address the Druze issue
Israeli media: Attempts to reach a security agreement between 'Israel' and Syria were among the topics discussed at the Paris meeting
Israeli media: Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif rejected a US proposal to join the recent tripartite meeting between Tom Barrack, al-Shaibani, and Dermer
Saba News Agency: Two martyred, five injured in a preliminary toll of the Israeli aggression on the Yemeni Oil Company station on Al-Sitteen Street in Sanaa
Senior Yemeni military source to Al Mayadeen: We observed a state of confusion among the enemy's aircraft squadron after Yemeni air defenses intercepted the attack
Senior Yemeni military source to Al Mayadeen: The Yemeni air defense forces succeeded in neutralizing a squadron of enemy aircraft and prevented airstrikes on some governorates
Senior Yemeni military source to Al Mayadeen: Our air defenses and missile forces forced a formation of enemy aircraft to flee the airspace

French minister under fire over 'barbarians' remark after PSG CL win

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 1 Jun 2025 17:02
3 Min Read

Bruno Retailleau faces backlash after calling PSG supporters "barbarians" following celebrations of their Champions League victory.

Listen
  • x
  • PSG
    Youths clash with police forces after the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Elysee Palace in Paris (AP)

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is facing backlash after referring to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters as “barbarians” in the aftermath of the club’s UEFA Champions League final victory.

PSG secured a commanding 5-0 win over Italy’s Inter Milan, prompting widespread celebrations across France. The victory marks a major milestone in the club’s history and drew fans into the streets to celebrate.

However, celebrations in several cities were marred by violence and disturbances.

Violence toll

At least two people were killed and more than 500 were arrested, according to local media on Sunday.

A 23-year-old man riding a scooter died after he was hit by a car during celebrations in Paris, BFMTV reported, citing the Paris prosecutor’s office.

A 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death during the celebrations in the southwestern town of Dax, it added.

During the celebrations across the country, 192 civilians, 22 law enforcement officers, and seven firefighters were also injured, according to the broadcaster.

According to Le Figaro, citing the Paris Police Department, 131 people were taken into custody across the country following the match. However, BFMTV reported that 559 individuals, including 491 in Paris, were arrested.

Additionally, two vehicles were set on fire, and a store was looted.

Related News

Ansar Allah slams Syrian-Israeli meeting in Paris as betrayal

Paris exhibition showcases 5,000 years of Gaza history, rare artifacts

In Grenoble, local media reported that three pedestrians were injured when a driver lost control of a vehicle and crashed into a crowd, as covered by French broadcaster BFMTV.

During the #ChampionsLeague final on Saturday night, Paris Saint-Germain fans held a banner calling to stop the genocide in #Gaza.#Palestinian flags were seen raised in the stands as well.

The game ended with a 5-0 #PSG win against Inter Milan, granting the French side its… pic.twitter.com/Cv6VEyxDoZ

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 1, 2025

Retailleau’s controversial 'barbarians' comment

Amid the unrest, Retailleau posted on X, stating that while genuine fans appreciated the victory, “some barbarians took to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement.” He also instructed security forces to respond firmly to the incidents.

“It is intolerable that we cannot even celebrate without fearing the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing,” he wrote.

The minister's remarks, particularly the use of the term “barbarians”, have triggered widespread condemnation and accusations of discriminatory language.

Opposition lawmakers slam Retailleau’s remarks

Retailleau’s comments were met with strong criticism from opposition lawmakers, who accused him of using inflammatory and racially charged language inappropriate for a public official.

Antoine Leaument of the France Unbowed party criticized the use of tear gas by police at the Madeleine metro station near the Champs-Élysées, questioning whether the goal was to suppress celebration altogether.

“Preventing people from celebrating victory on the Champs-Élysées, is that the plan? The barbarian is at Beauvau,” he said, referencing the location of the Interior Ministry.

Alexis Corbiere, also with France Unbowed, condemned Retailleau’s rhetoric, “We must reject the violence of those who want to spoil the celebration, but why use this kind of language: ‘barbarian,’ ‘savage,’ meaning foreigner and almost animal?”

He added, “Even when people are happy, this man [Retailleau] is full of hatred.”

Thomas Portes joined the criticism, calling the statement racist. “We may have political disagreements, but the word ‘barbarian’ has no place coming from the mouth of the Interior Minister. Bruno Retailleau confirms tonight that he is a racist Interior Minister,” he wrote on X.

Read more: Manchester City win first Champions League after defeating Inter Milan

  • Paris
  • Bruno Retailleau
  • Champions League
  • PSG
  • Paris Saint-Germain

Most Read

Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, executive director of the defense division of the Israeli National Cyber Directorate, undated (Social media)

Israeli-born US prosecutor drops Israeli officer child sex crime

  • Politics
  • 19 Aug 2025
Displaced Palestinians walk through a makeshift camp along the beach in Gaza City, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025 (AP)

Hamas, other factions accept Egypt-Qatar ceasefire proposal: Exclusive

  • Politics
  • 18 Aug 2025
Palestine will not be liberated by UN reports, but by pursuing a different strategic horizon: one that does not beg for recognition. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)

Economy of Genocide: Albanese's report accuses, but doesn't dismantle system

  • Opinion
  • 18 Aug 2025
Israeli soldiers stand on the top of armoured vehicles parked on an area near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 (AP)

Palestinian fighters target Israeli soldiers, vehicles in Gaza

  • Politics
  • 21 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Prime minister's office in al-Quds, Occupied Palestine, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Netanyahu deliberately derailing truce with Gaza occupation: Hamas

Irish President Michael Higgins arrives to deliver his speech during a 42nd World Food Day celebration at FAO headquarters in Rome, on Oct. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Politics

Irish president renews call for UN military intervention in Gaza

US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the US Embassy in Aukar, northern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, July 21, 2025 (AP)
Politics

US envoy, Netanyahu discuss restraining attacks on Lebanon, withdrawal

Smoke billows following Israeli airstrikes in multiple areas in Sanaa, Yemen, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ansar Allah vow sustained Gaza support despite Israeli strikes

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS