Champions League final marred by violent clashes between PSG and Arsenal fans in Budapest

Overnight violence

In the early hours of Saturday, 30 May 2026, a violent confrontation erupted between fans of Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in Budapest's 7th district. A police statement confirmed the incident occurred at around 00:20 on Kiraly Street, with footage on social media showing approximately 30 supporters from each club brawling and lighting flares.

Several fans got into a fight on May 30, 2026, at around 00:20 in Budapest's 7th district, on Kiraly Street.

The BRFK 7th District Police Department has initiated proceedings against unknown perpetrators for the crime of gang violence and is analysing camera recordings to identify those involved. By early afternoon, no further clashes had been reported.

Security operation

Nearly 4,000 police officers were deployed across the Hungarian capital for the final, described by authorities as a high-risk event. Hungary's deputy national police chief Zoltan Janos Kuczik stated earlier in the week that this would be the largest single-day police deployment in the country's history, with security preparations beginning more than a year ago.

This will be the largest single-day police deployment in Hungary's history.

Tens of thousands of fans without tickets were expected to travel to Budapest. The Puskás Aréna holds 60,000 to 67,000 spectators, with each club receiving only 17,000 tickets. Local media estimated over 100,000 supporters had arrived in the city.

Arrests and incidents

On Friday, two Portuguese nationals and a British man were arrested following a fight at the Champions League fan festival site and charged with disorderly conduct. Police also detained a British man who climbed onto the roof of a parked car and damaged the vehicle.

Tensions in Paris

French authorities mobilised a massive security operation of their own, with 30,000 police officers on standby across France. In Paris alone, 8,000 security personnel were deployed amid a tense atmosphere. The heightened measures follow the chaos after PSG's 2025 Champions League triumph over Inter Milan, when 491 people were arrested during severe disturbances in the French capital.

The final

Paris Saint-Germain, the defending champions, faced Arsenal at 18:00 local time in Budapest. The match pits Luis Enrique against Mikel Arteta, with Arsenal seeking their first ever Champions League title. Within minutes of kick-off, Kai Havertz gave Arsenal a 1-0 lead, after which footage emerged of PSG fans clashing with police on the streets of Paris.