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

Riots broke out in central Paris on Saturday as thousands of fans gathered to watch the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, which PSG won after a penalty shootout. The violence flared just six minutes into the match after Arsenal scored the first goal, and local PSG fans began throwing chairs and bottles at police.

In response, approximately 5,000 deployment officers used tear gas and batons to control hostile crowds near the Rue de Rivoli and the Parc des Princes stadium. Chaotic clashes forced local cafes to turn off their televisions and hundreds of nearby tourists were caught in the crossfire near major landmarks such as the Louvre and Notre Dame.

Storefronts in Paris city center were already heavily boarded up ahead of kick-off due to widespread fears of looting and civil unrest later.

Footage circulating on social media after the match showed scores of jubilant PSG fans, some carrying lit flares.

On the field, PSG suffered an early defeat thanks to Kai Havertz’s goal in the 6th minute, but equalized midway through the second half thanks to Ousmane Dembele’s penalty.

Despite playing 75% of the ball and making 21 shots to Arsenal’s 7, PSG failed to get past David Raya until the penalty shoot-out and won the match 4-3.

Arsenal defender Gabriel was inconsolable after firing the finishing touch over the bar.

This defeat was Arsenal’s second defeat in the Champions League final, after losing to Barcelona in 2006.

They have never won Europe’s biggest competition.