PSG fans clash with riot police and set fires as Arsenal lose Champions League final

The Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal saw violent clashes between fans and riot police in Paris, with tear gas and baton charges used to disperse crowds as the French side won a penalty shootout 4-3

Riots broke out in France as thousands of Paris Saint-Germain fans watched the Champions League final against Arsenal.

The unrest in Paris ignited just six minutes into the game after Arsenal netted the first goal, triggering local PSG fans to reportedly hurl chairs and bottles at the police. Around 5,000 law enforcement officers used tear gas and baton charges to manage allegedly aggressive crowds near Rue de Rivoli and the Parc des Princes stadium.

The fierce clashes led local cafes to switch off their televisions, leaving hundreds of nearby tourists trapped in the turmoil near major attractions like the Louvre and Notre Dame. Police also charged towards some supporters after a firework was fired near the stadium. And the frenzy continued as PSG equalised in the contest held in Budapest, Hungary, then went on to win on penalties.

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The French Interior Ministry announced 20 arrests made in Paris in connection with the game, including 10 people taken into custody.

A mobile police unit had been positioned outside the stadium and officers cleared barricades erected by supporters using bicycles. But bikes and rubbish cans were set on fire and smoke could be seen rising from multiple fires.

Shop windows throughout central Paris had already been heavily fortified ahead of the start whistle due to widespread concerns about potential looting and civil disorder.

Videos shared on social media post-match revealed large groups of elated PSG fans, some brandishing lit flares. However, other celebrations turned ugly as a bus stop was destroyed by supporters jumping up and down on top of it.

On the field, PSG encountered an early blow with a sixth-minute goal from Kai Havertz – but managed to level the score thanks to an Ousmane Dembele penalty midway through the second half, reports the Express.

Despite dominating 75% of the possession and registering 21 shots compared to Arsenal’s seven, PSG struggled to breach David Raya again until the shootout, which they triumphed in 4-3.

Arsenal defender Gabriel was distraught after sending the final penalty soaring over the bar, following a terrible miss by his team-mate Eberechi Eze earlier from the spot.

The loss marks Arsenal’s second Champions League final defeat, having previously fallen to Barcelona in 2006. They have never claimed Europe’s premier competition.