PARIS — French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is facing sharp criticism from opposition lawmakers and civil rights advocates after referring to Paris Saint-Germain supporters as “barbarians” in the wake of their UEFA Champions League victory celebrations.

PSG defeated Italy’s Inter Milan 5–0 in the final, prompting street celebrations across France that saw moments of unrest.

According to the Paris Police Department, 131 individuals were taken into custody nationwide. Authorities reported incidents including two cars set ablaze, a store looted, and three pedestrians injured in Grenoble after a vehicle plowed into a crowd.

In a post on X, Retailleau stated that while “true fans enjoyed the match,” others “took to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement.”

He instructed police to respond “firmly” and condemned “the savagery of a minority of thugs who respect nothing.”

His language quickly drew rebuke from the left-wing opposition.

Antoine Léaument of the France Unbowed party criticized police for deploying tear gas near the Madeleine metro station and accused the minister of escalating tensions.

“The barbarian is at Beauvau,” he wrote, referencing the Interior Ministry’s location.

Lawmaker Alexis Corbière also condemned the rhetoric, questioning Retailleau’s use of the terms “barbarian” and “savage,” which he said “imply foreignness and dehumanization.”

He added, “Even when people are happy, this man is full of hatred."

Thomas Portes, also with France Unbowed, directly accused Retailleau of racism, stating: “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.”

Retailleau has not responded to the criticism. — Agencies