Paris ramps up security for Champions League showdown with Arsenal
Paris police have called in reinforcements from around France to ensure safety on the streets for the Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
The police in Paris have taken lessons from incidents prior to the 2022 Champions League final involving Real Madrid and Liverpool FC. Back then, the storming of the Parc des Princes gates by individuals without tickets led to a tense intervention by the authorities and a delay to the match. Criticism was directed at the use of tear gas on bystanders.
This year, Parisians have already hosted two English clubs without serious incidents inside or outside the stadium. Paris Saint-Germain successfully eliminated Liverpool FC and Aston Villa from the Champions League.
On Wednesday at 20:00, Paris Saint-Germain will play their final home match in this Champions League edition. Once again, the opponent will be an English team, this time Arsenal FC. Additional police forces have been engaged to ensure order.
The Paris police announced in a statement that the mobilisation includes two thousand officers. These officers will maintain order not only around the Parc des Princes but also in other areas of the French capital. It is quite likely that any celebrations for Paris Saint-Germain's advancement may move to the Champs-Élysées during the night.
We will not tolerate any unlawful incidents - warned the Paris police, who have encircled the stadium with a special security cordon.
Wednesday's match will determine the second Champions League semi-finalist. Inter Milan are already through, having eliminated FC Barcelona. Paris Saint-Germain are closer to joining them, with a 1-0 advantage from the first match against Arsenal. PSG could reach the final for the first time since 2020.
