Paris, France—Tensions boiled over on the streets of Paris today as violent clashes broke out between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain supporters ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first-leg match.
Shocking footage obtained by M10News captures the chaotic scenes as rival fans exchanged punches and wielded bar stools as weapons near the Parc des Princes stadium.
The altercation, which occurred hours before tonight’s highly anticipated match, saw supporters from both clubs engage in physical confrontations.
Video evidence shows objects being thrown as the situation rapidly escalated, with a bystander heard exclaiming in disbelief at the unfolding violence. Local authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the disturbance.
The incident comes as Aston Villa makes its first Champions League quarter-final appearance in over 40 years. They have already stunned European football by defeating German powerhouse Bayern Munich in the group stages.
Meanwhile, PSG enter the match in strong form, having secured the Ligue 1 title this past weekend and remaining in contention for a historic domestic double.
The Paris violence follows a worrying pattern of football-related disorder across Europe.
In February, similar scenes marred the Championship derby between Cardiff City and Bristol City, where masked hooligans attacked public transport and launched projectiles at local businesses. Witnesses described buses being targeted, with one reporting: “A masked individual kicked our bus door so hard it cracked the glass.”
French police have increased security measures around the stadium in response to today’s incident.
Both clubs have issued statements condemning the violence and urging supporters to respect the spirit of the game. UEFA officials are monitoring the situation closely as kickoff approaches.
M10News reporters are in Paris and will provide updates as this story develops. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact our newsroom.
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