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.

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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