Chaos erupted in Paris on Wednesday night after Paris Saint-Germain beat Arsenal in the Champions League, with footage showing supporters clashing with police
09:42, 08 May 2025Updated 09:43, 08 May 2025
fires on streets of Paris
There were fires on streets of Paris on Wednesday night(Image: @ClementLanot/X)
Paris erupted into chaos on Wednesday night following Paris Saint-Germain's triumph over Arsenal, securing their spot in the Champions League final.
Jubilant fans spilled onto the streets to celebrate PSG's 3-1 aggregate win, only to be met with violence.
Videos circulating on social media captured clashes between supporters and police officers donned in riot gear amidst the backdrop of flaring street fires.
In a shocking turn of events, three individuals sustained injuries, one critically, after being struck by a car near the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
All three victims were rushed to hospital, with one person seen being stretchered away from the scene. The vehicle involved was later discovered abandoned and torched on Avenue Marceau.
Paris Saint-Germain fans flood the Paris streets
Paris Saint-Germain fans flooded the Paris streets before trouble arose(Image: NAEL CHAHINE/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
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A police source reported that "The worst incident so far involved a car apparently being driven into a group of PSG fans. At least three supporters were injured, one seriously, and others were sent flying. A gang then chased the car, setting it on fire and leaving it to burn after they forced it to stop in a side street."
Local news outlets have reported that a total of 44 arrests were made.
The Parc des Princes hosted around 2,000 Arsenal supporters for the match, which concluded with a 2-1 victory for PSG, while thousands more flocked to Parisian bars to watch the game.
In anticipation of the match, local authorities had bolstered security by deploying an additional 2,000 police officers and gendarmes. Nevertheless, Paris's notoriety for unrest and violence manifested once again on Wednesday night.
Arsenal fans on social media have reported witnessing clashes between PSG supporters and riot police, with tear gas being used before the Champions League semi-final had even kicked off.
Travelling Arsenal supporters expressed concerns prior to the start of the match, especially after the club distributed red and white scarves to identify them. Some fans took to social media to question the wisdom of marking themselves out as supporters of the team.
Arsenal informed their fans about the potential for trouble through an official statement, urging them: "Supporters are strongly advised to avoid the Auteuil suburb of Paris and should take note of this when travelling to the Parc des Princes on matchday."
The statement also warned: "Street crime, including pickpocketing, can take place in Paris. Supporters are advised to be vigilant, take sensible precautions and ensure they have valid travel insurance."
Moreover, fans were given specific advice regarding travel: "Supporters are strongly advised not to use line 10 on the metro system which would result in supporters exiting the metro system in Auteuil."
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Unfortunately, such incidents have marred Paris's reputation, as visiting Aston Villa fans faced similar problems earlier in the season.
The situation recalls the 2022 Champions League final when Liverpool fans suffered from the French police's use of tear gas outside the Stade de France and some were assaulted and robbed by local gangs.