A car was set alight by a gang of youths after driving into football fans celebrating Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Arsenal in the French capital.
The horrific aftermath was captured on video and plastered on social media in the early hours of Thursday following the Champions League semi-final game a few hours earlier.
Hooded French youths wearing Paris Saint Germain (PSG) shirts were reportedly also seen fighting with riot police on the Champs Elysée, and on nearby streets.
‘The worst incident so far involved a car apparently being driven into a group of PSG fans,’ said a local police source.
‘At least three supporters were injured, one seriously, and others were sent flying. A gang then chased the car, setting it on fire and leaving it to burn after they forced it to stop in a side street.’
One of them was seen being carried on a stretcher by first responders, according to French outlet Le Parisien.
After the car ploughed into crowds of people, dozens of football fans are said to have chased the vehicle.
It was not immediately clear who had been driving the high-end car, after all those inside were seen running away, said the source.
A car was today set alight by a gang of youths after driving into football fans celebrating Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Arsenal in the French capital
After the car ploughed into crowds of people, dozens of football fans chased the vehicle
At least three people were injured, one seriously
The flaming wreckage of the vehicle was filmed on the Rue Christophe-Colomb, close to the Champs-Elysée.
By 2am, more than 20 people had been arrested in connection with the ‘football celebrations’ said the source.
It is unclear whether the car’s occupants were arrested or why exactly the vehicle had crashed into the crowds.
All were believed to be linked to the Paris side, rather than Arsenal, who lost the tie 2-1 on the night, and 3-1 on aggregate.
Some 2000 supporters of the North London club had tickets for the game, while others were in Paris to watch it in bars and cafés.
In turn, there were 2000 extra police and gendarmes on the streets of the French capital to try and avoid violence.
Football related violence has become an increasingly serious problem for the French authorities in recent years, with hooligan firms associating themselves with leading clubs, including PSG.
Ahead of the game on Wednesday, French police are thought to have clashed with PSG fans ahead of their match against Arsenal.
By 2am, more than 20 people had been arrested in connection with the ‘football celebrations’
Football related violence has become an increasingly serious problem for the French authorities in recent years
Hooded French youths wearing Paris Saint Germain (PSG) shirts were reportedly also seen fighting with riot police on the Champs Elysée, and on nearby streets
Security had been beefed up in the capital ahead of the game.
But home fans are believed to have encountered trouble in the build-up to kick-off, with reporting that police have used tear gas on the Parc des Princes faithful.
Videos have been circulating on social media of PSG fans tangling with police officers, with riot police keen to push back supporters and break up large crowds.
In one of the clips, fans were seen being charged by police officers as they sought to flee.
Some fans are seen covering their nose and mouths, with the caption alleging that tear gas had been fired into the crowds of supporters.
Another video on social media came with the caption: ‘Entire streets are tear-gassed by the police ahead the Parc des Princes.
‘Parisian fans are getting the party started two hours before kick-off against Arsenal.’
Fans of Paris Saint-Germain show support for their team prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France
Paris Saint-Germain fans celebrate after the Champions League semifinal, second leg soccer match between PSG and Arsenal on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris
Riot police were keen to break up large groups of supporters in the surrounding areas before the game on Wednesday
Footage alleges that the police were using tear gas on supporters en route to Parc des Princes
Supporters were also charged by the riot police, with 2,000 officers in Paris to cover the event
One fan (pictured bottom right) was seen pouring water into his eyes to wash them out
In the video, one supporter is seen covering his face with a scarf, and another is filmed pouring water into his eyes.
Arsenal had previously warned travelling fans to stay ‘vigilant’ during their trip to Paris, after Premier League rivals Aston Villa’s supporters encountered fan trouble when drawn against the club earlier this season.
