Arsenal and PSG fans brawl ahead of Champions League final

Arsenal supporters fought with extremist Paris Saint-Germain fans in Budapest, Hungary, leading to the arrest of two British supporters on the eve of the Champions League final this season.

Arsenal fans confronted Paris Saint-Germain supporters on the streets of Budapest ahead of the Champions League final, which takes place tonight (23:00, May 30), as police prepare measures to handle further trouble.

A video shows a fight erupting between rival groups on Király Street. Fans kicked and punched each other repeatedly, while flares were also thrown. French supporters could be heard shouting loudly during the chaos. A police spokesperson said authorities are investigating "collective public disorder" and trying to identify the instigators.

In other developments, two English fans have so far been arrested for disorderly conduct and damaging vehicles.

Images of two fan groups brawling and setting off flares

This incident comes as around 4,000 police officers will be deployed for tonight's match at Puskas Arena to ensure visitor safety and prevent clashes between extremist fan groups. There are fears that up to 10,000 fans may travel to Hungary without tickets, simply wanting to soak up the atmosphere on a night that could mark history for Arsenal.

Arsenal has only reached the final of this competition once before, in 2006, when they lost 2-1 to Barcelona.

However, minor brawls and confrontations between fans of both sides started as early as last night. Social media videos show numerous groups of supporters fighting on the streets.

Arsenal fans spill onto the streets ahead of the Champions League final

The footage shows a brawl breaking out between rival groups on Király Street, where fans punched and kicked each other as flares were thrown.

Police say they are reviewing the footage to identify those responsible for the brawl on Király Street.

In another area at 4 p.m. local time on Friday, one English man was arrested after getting into a fight with two Portuguese men at one of the entrances of the Champions Festival. All three were taken to the station and charged with public order offenses.

A second British citizen was later taken into custody around 11 p.m. after climbing onto the roof of a car and damaging it, police added.

Arsenal fans take to the streets in Budapest

Even with many hours to go before kickoff, fans of both teams had already gathered in large numbers on the streets on Saturday morning, many of them having spent a long night of celebration and excitement that began late Friday.

It is estimated that up to 45,000 football fans will have arrived in the city by the time the match starts, leading to the largest police mobilization in Budapest's history.

At a press conference this week, Major General Dr. János Zoltán Kuczik, head of the security operation for the final, warned: "We will take firm action if any behavior that disrupts public order is detected. It is no secret that having fans from London and Paris simultaneously in Budapest poses significant risks, but our job is to minimize those risks."

Arsenal fans eager ahead of the final

Security preparations for the last European match of the season began more than a year ago. Budapest authorities consulted with experts from London and Paris, and officials also visited last year's final in Munich to learn about operational procedures.

This is the first time Hungary has hosted this prestigious match. In addition to enhancing security, the city has also arranged extra public transport and dedicated buses to shuttle fans from both teams.

In England, bars and fan zones across London are expected to be packed tonight, as fans hope their team can replicate their recent Premier League success.

In Paris, businesses are using wooden boards to reinforce and cover their shops and restaurants, fearing major riots regardless of the final's outcome.

Meanwhile, in Budapest, Arsenal's final preparations are being completed.