Riot police clashed on the streets of Paris on Wednesday night before and after Arsenal were dumped out the Champions League semi-final in chaotic scenes that also saw a car plough through fans
09:54, 08 May 2025Updated 10:04, 08 May 2025
Paris Saint-Germain fans flood the Paris streets
There was chaos in Paris after PSG beat Arsenal(Image: NAEL CHAHINE/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
Paris was engulfed in chaos on Wednesday night after PSG triumphed over Arsenal to reach the Champions League final.
Jubilant fans packed the streets to celebrate the Parisiens' 2-1 win at the Parc des Princes, and 3-1 aggregate victory. But the scenes soon descended into chaos and violence. Videos circulating on social media captured clashes between fans and police in riot gear.
Later in the night, three individuals were injured, with one reportedly suffering 'critical' injuries, when a car ploughed through a crowd by the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées. All three were taken to hospital, and reports say one was carried away on a stretcher. Later, the vehicle in question was found abandoned and ablaze on Avenue Marceau.
"The worst incident so far involved a car apparently being driven into a group of PSG fans," a police source was quoted as saying.
"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."
There have been clashes between riot police and fans ahead of PSG vs Arsenal
Riot police clashed with fans in Paris(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
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Local news sources reported that there have been 44 arrests linked to the disorder.
Despite 2,000 Arsenal fans having tickets for the showdown at the Parc des Princes, thousands of other supporters made the trip to Paris to watch the game from various pubs.
Preparing for the game, city officials deployed an additional 2,000 police officers and gendarmes. But the French capital's infamous reputation for disorder and aggression reared again on Wednesday night.
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Arsenal had earlier warned their fans of potential trouble and areas to avoid. They said in a statement: "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.
"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.
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"Supporters are strongly advised not to use line 10 on the metro system which would result in supporters exiting the metro system in Auteuil."