Riot police charge PSG fans in Paris as Arsenal lose in Champions League final

Riots erupted in central Paris on Saturday as thousands of fans gathered to watch the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, won by PSG after a penalty shootout. The violence flared up just six minutes into the match after Arsenal scored the opening goal, prompting local PSG fans to launch chairs and bottles at the police.

In response, around 5,000 deployment officers used tear gas and baton charges to control the hostile crowds near the Rue de Rivoli and the Parc des Princes stadium. The chaotic clashes forced local cafes to shut off their televisions, leaving hundreds of nearby tourists caught in the crossfire near major landmarks like the Louvre and Notre Dame. Shopfronts across downtown Paris had already been heavily boarded up ahead of kick-off amid widespread fears of subsequent looting and civil unrest.

On the pitch, PSG suffered an early setback in the form of a 6th-minute goal by Kai Havertz – but equalised thanks to an Ousmane Dembele penalty midway through the second half.

Despite enjoying 75% possession and recording 21 shots to Arsenal’s seven, PSG were unable to find a way past David Raya again until the shootout, which they won 4-3.

The defeat is Arsenal’s second in the Champions League final, having been beaten by Barcelona in 2006. They have never won Europe’s top competition.