Arsenal have handed out 2,000 scarves to supporters travelling to Paris for their Champions League semi-final, despite warning fans to be ‘vigilant’ in the French capital amid concerns over notorious PSG hooligans.
The Gunners have made the gesture to supporters as they picked up their tickets at a dedicated collection point in Paris.
Supporters received a free red and white scarf, featuring an Arsenal club badge, as they received their matchday tickets in person.
Several supporters have warned their fellow fans against wearing the scarves in the city, however, amid concerns they could be attacked by rival fans.
‘Arsenal: be careful in Paris, don’t wear colours,’ one fan wrote. ‘Also Arsenal: here’s a free red and white scarf with our badge on it when you pick up your ticket.’
‘Maybe I’m missing something or just being daft in my old age,’ another fan said. ‘Arsenal had encouraged their fans not to wear club colours in Paris for the game.
Arsenal have given out free scarves to supporters attending the Champions League semi-final
Fans have been pictured in the French capital wearing the scarves featuring an Arsenal badge
Several supporters have raised security concerns over wearing the branded scarves
‘The pick up point for their tickets is handing them a free red and white scarf when they collect. Really??’
Another wrote: ‘You’re putting a target on the backs of fans, handing out scarves over there. Paris can be a dangerous place if you aren’t a PSG fan on CL semi-final night.’
As part of Arsenal’s travel advice for fans travelling to the game, the club warned supporters to be ‘vigilant’ and to take ‘sensible precautions’.
The club also strongly advised fans to avoid the Auteuil suburb of Paris.
Large numbers of home supporters are known to travel to the Parc des Prices through the area.
‘Supporters are strongly advised to avoid the Auteuil suburb of Paris and should take note of this when travelling to the Parc des Princes on matchday,’ Arsenal advised fans.
‘Street crime, including pickpocketing, can take place in Paris. Supporters are advised to be vigilant, take sensible precautions and ensure they have valid travel insurance.
‘Supporters are strongly advised not to use line 10 on the metro system which would result in supporters exiting the metro system in Auteuil.’
Fans have expressed concerns due to the risk of being attacked by PSG’s notorious ultras
Concerns were raised after PSG ultras clashed with Aston Villa supporters last month
PSG ultras have clashed with supporters of English clubs around several European matches
The warnings to supporters come after clashing involving PSG supporters and English fans around European matches in the French capital.
Last month, footage showed PSG fans clashing with Aston Villa supporters ahead of their quarter-final tie.
Videos showed a a chaotic scene outside a bar, where stools were being used as weapons and launched in all directions, while punches were also thrown.
Newcastle United supporters were also attacked by PSG ultras in November 2023, with footage showing fans attempting to blockade doors as flares and chairs were thrown.
The Paris police prefecture has confirmed 2,000 police will be on duty as part of their security arrangements around Wednesday’s semi-final.
‘The Paris Police Prefecture is implementing a security plan tailored to the event and the risk assessment conducted, in order to prevent any public order disturbances and combat crime,’ a police statement read.
‘More than 2,000 police officers will be deployed around the Parc des Princes, as well as at usual gathering places in Paris and the inner suburbs, as well as at train stations, stations, and lines likely to accommodate spectators and supporters.
Arsenal face a daunting trip to face PSG as they aim to turn around a 1-0 first leg deficit
Around 2,000 police will be on duty around the Parc des Princes for the semi-final clash
‘Only ticket holders will be allowed access to the security perimeter that will be set up around the stadium.
‘We therefore strongly urge fans without tickets not to attempt to reach the park.
‘No gatherings near the Parc des Princes will therefore be permitted for fans without tickets, contrary to what may be reported on social media.’
Arsenal will be attempting to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit in their Champions League semi-final against the French champions.
