'Battle of Hogwarts' memes flood the internet as PSG's Champions League celebrations turn violent in France

Celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Arsenal descended into widespread unrest across France at the weekend, leaving hundreds injured and prompting almost 800 arrests, while social media users responded with a flood of memes comparing the scenes to climactic battles depicted in the Harry Potter franchise.

Voldemort in Paris: Social media reacts to PSG riots

Despite the seriousness of the incidents, social media platforms were quickly awash with humorous comparisons between the chaos in Paris and scenes from the Harry Potter films, particularly the Battle of Hogwarts sequence from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.

One user wrote: “What the hell is going on in France? Is the new Harry Potter filming? (sic)”

Another quipped: “they got bored with the regular riots so they decided to recreate the Ministry of Magic battle (sic)”.

A third post read: “It’s crazy that a team from your town wins the Champions League and on the same night you have Harry Potter himself on the streets fighting Voldemort for the soul of Hogwarts (sic).

Internet reactions to the Paris riots.

Others continued the theme, with one person writing: “Battle of Hogwarts in Paris as we speak (sic)”.

Another social media user commented: “I’m aware I might attract some criticism but this new Harry Potter series set in Paris doesn’t feel bad (sic) at all.

Another post added: “I think the new harry potter is more accurate than we thought (sic)”.

Internet reactions to the Paris riots.

The jokes spread widely across X, Instagram and TikTok as footage of burning vehicles, fireworks and heavily policed streets spread around the world. Many users specifically referenced scenes involving magical duels, explosions and large-scale battles from the Harry Potter film adaptations, drawing comparisons between the fictional destruction of Hogwarts and the images that emerged from Paris overnight.

What’s happening in Paris?

Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph over Arsenal on Saturday sparked celebrations across France, but scenes of jubilation in Paris quickly descended into chaos as clashes, vandalism and vehicle fires broke out across the capital following the club’s dramatic penalty shoot-out victory in Budapest.

What began with the Eiffel Tower lit up in PSG’s blue and red colors ended in widespread rioting, with riot police deployed to contain the violence, which left hundreds injured and led to hundreds of arrests.

French authorities said 219 people were injured during clashes between soccer fans and police after PSG clinched the European title. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that eight people remained in serious condition, while 57 police officers were among those injured during the unrest. Authorities also said 780 people were arrested across the country, with more than 450 remaining in custody. A person has died in a crash on a Paris ring road after rioters allegedly tried to block traffic.

PSG supporters drive past police officers on their scooters (back L and R) as they celebrate their team’s victory in the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal FC played in Budapest at the Place du Trocadero in Paris on May 30, 2026. (Photo: LOU BENOIST / AFP)(AFP)

The violence disrupted transport services in Paris and led to confrontations in several parts of the capital. Video circulating online shows fires on roads, flares set off in large crowds, e-bikes on fire and damage to storefronts. Police used tear gas to disperse groups in the city center as officers tried to regain control of several flashpoints.

The unrest overshadowed what should have been a celebration for PSG supporters following the club’s latest Champions League success. Anticipating potential unrest, authorities deployed around 22,000 police across France after similar violence followed PSG’s previous European triumph.