Arsenal fans involved in Budapest clashes ahead of Champions League final

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Police in Budapest are investigating violent clashes between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain supporters that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, just hours before the Champions League final kicks off at the Puskas Arena.

According to a police statement, approximately 30 supporters from each club were involved in brawling on Kiraly Street in Budapest’s 7th district at around 00:20 local time. Footage circulating on social media showed fans lighting flares during the confrontation.

The Budapest Regional Police (BRFK) 7th District Police Department has launched proceedings against unknown perpetrators for gang violence, with officers analyzing camera recordings to identify those involved in the disturbances.

Massive security operation deployed

The incident comes as Hungarian authorities have mounted what they describe as the largest single-day police deployment in the country’s history. Nearly 4,000 police officers are stationed across the Hungarian capital for the final, with tens of thousands of fans expected to travel to Budapest without tickets.

Deputy national police chief Zoltan Janos Kuczik confirmed earlier this week that the event has been classified as “high-risk,” with security preparations beginning more than a year ago.

The clashes on Saturday morning were not the first incidents to mar the build-up to the final. On Friday, three men – two Portuguese nationals and one British citizen – were arrested following a fight at the Champions League fan festival site and charged with disorderly conduct.

A separate arrest was made when a British man climbed onto the roof of a parked car and damaged the vehicle.

Final preparations continue

Despite the security concerns, preparations for the 17:00 BST kickoff are continuing as planned. The Puskas Arena will host what promises to be a memorable encounter between Arsenal and PSG, with both sets of supporters having traveled in large numbers to the Hungarian capital.

The Gunners reached their first Champions League final since 2006 after a dramatic campaign that saw them navigate through some of Europe’s elite clubs. PSG, meanwhile, are seeking their first European Cup triumph after years of near-misses in the competition.

Hungarian authorities are working to ensure that the isolated incidents do not overshadow what should be a celebration of European football, with additional security measures remaining in place throughout the day leading up to kickoff.