Travelers to Paris, be cautious to evade violent confrontations with PSG hooligans, Arsenal advises following reported assaults on Aston Villa fans... distributing vivid red and white scarves at the ticket booth.
Heads Up, Gunner Fans Heading to Paris!
Arsenal's die-hard supporters received a free scarf with the club's badge while collecting their tickets for the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Paris - yet some of them are hesitant to wear it due to safety concerns.
писивявshfsia s sfans were given a red and white scarf as they picked up their match tickets in the city, but many have urged their fellow supporters to ditch the accessory amid worries about potential attacks from rival fans.
"Arsenal: be careful in Paris, don't wear colours," one fan shared, while another commented, "The pick up point for their tickets is handing them a free red and white scarf when they collect. Really??"
Arsenal is well aware of the dangers that Paris may present and has issued a warning to its travelling fans. The club strongly advises supporters to avoid the Auteuil suburb of Paris and warns ticket holders about the risk of street crime, particularly pickpocketing. In addition, the Gunners advise fans to stay clear of line 10 on the metro system for safety reasons.
Fears about fan safety in Paris escalated after clashes involving PSG supporters and English fans around European matches in the French capital. In recent months, footage showed PSG fans attacking Aston Villa supporters, as well as Newcastle United supporters in November 2023.
To ensure security around the Parc des Princes, more than 2,000 police officers will be deployed, according to a police statement. Fans without tickets are asked not to attempt to reach the park, and no gatherings near the stadium will be permitted.
Amidst this tense fan climate, Arsenal faces a daunting task in their Champions League semi-final as they aim to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against the French champions. The club is no stranger to disputes over ticket allocations and safety concerns. For example, during an FA Cup match against Manchester United earlier this season, Arsenal limited away tickets to 8,000, citing safety reasons. Such actions have caused controversy and frustration among visiting fans and clubs alike.
Meanwhile, PSG remains disappointed with the decision to limit their away ticket allocation for the Champions League semi-final. The French club has appealed to UEFA to restore its full ticket allocation, stating they received the full 3,000 tickets during a previous league meeting at the Emirates. With just a few days until the match, the outcome of PSG's appeal remains uncertain.
- Despite the free red and white scarf handed out to Arsenal fans in Paris, some are foregoing it due to safety concerns.
- Arsenal has warned its supporters about potential risks of street crime and pickpocketing in certain areas of Paris, particularly Auteuil and line 10 on the metro system.
- Over 2,000 police officers will be deployed around Parc des Princes for the Champions League semi-final, according to a police statement, in an effort to ensure security.
- The tense fan climate escalated after clashes involving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters and English fans around European matches in Paris, including incidents involving Aston Villa and Newcastle United supporters.
