Police in Budapest have made arrests and are reviewing CCTV footage after supporters clashed ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. The brawl broke out before the showpiece at the Puskas Arena, which kicks off at 8pm BST.
The violence is the latest security concern around European finals, following trouble at last year’s showpiece in Istanbul. Hungarian authorities have pledged to identify all those involved, with fans from both sides reportedly present. The Metropolitan Police has not yet commented on any UK-linked arrests.
“Arsenal face PSG in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday, with police investigating fan violence before the match. Referee Daniel Siebert has been appointed. Emirates Stadium will host a viewing event. PSG welcome back Mbappé, Neymar, and Verratti from injury.”
The match itself has been in the spotlight for weeks. Arsenal are aiming to win their first Champions League title since 2006, while holders PSG seek back-to-back triumphs. The German referee Daniel Siebert will take charge – a familiar figure to Arsenal fans after he officiated their ties against Sporting Lisbon and Atletico Madrid en route to the final.
In north London, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium has been transformed for a giant viewing event. Videos on TikTok show a stage and large screens installed on the pitch. The 60,000-capacity ground will host fans unable to travel to Budapest, with tickets sold for £10 each. The club has added food outlets and fan zones to replicate the matchday atmosphere.
Across the UK, supporters will gather in pubs and public screenings. In Scotland, where Arsenal have a strong fan base, the game will be shown in Glasgow’s famous pubs. In Wales and Northern Ireland, local supporters’ clubs have organised events. The final also falls on a Saturday evening, making it accessible for most fans.
PSG have received a major boost with three key players returning from injury. The Evening Standard reports that Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Marco Verratti are all available after recovering in time for the final. This could see PSG field their strongest XI, with the front three of Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi expected to start.
Arsenal’s team news remains under wraps, but manager Mikel Arteta is expected to name an unchanged side after their semi-final victory over Bayern Munich. The Gunners have no major injury concerns, with Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus both fit.
What happens next: The final will be played at the Puskas Arena at 8pm BST on Saturday. UEFA will announce the winner and award the trophy in a ceremony immediately after. Budapest police will continue their investigation into the fan violence, with potential bans for those identified.
What This Means For You: - If you are attending the final in Budapest: Allow extra time to get to the stadium, follow police guidance, and avoid fan zones where trouble has been reported. - If you are watching at the Emirates: Gates open at 5pm, and tickets must be shown on a smartphone. Bring rain gear as the event is outdoors. - For UK viewers: The match is live on BT Sport 1 and YouTube (free in some regions). Pubs across the country will show the game; check local listings. - If you are a betting person: PSG are slight favourites due to their front three, but Arsenal have a strong defensive record in Europe this season.