Where will fans gather to watch the PSG-Arsenal match in Île-de-France? The Champions League final on May 30 will proceed without public fan zones in Paris, a decision mirrored from last year. The police prefecture has expressed reservations, citing the need to deploy a substantial number of security forces for three major concerts scheduled concurrently at the Stade de France, La Défense Arena, and Accor Arena. Instead, a live screening of the match is planned at the Parc des Princes, with tickets available from 19 euros. Local bars and restaurants are also gearing up for the event. Nevertheless, coordinating festivities throughout Île-de-France presents a considerable security challenge.

Dialogue with prefectures underway

Public fan zones for this final are expected to be sparse. Currently, none have been declared in Hauts-de-Seine, where Prefect Alexandre Brugère has recommended against their organization, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to focus on Paris. In Seine-Saint-Denis, discussions are ongoing between the prefecture and local mayors. Bally Bagayoko, the mayor of Saint-Denis, stated on May 14 via social media that they are seeking “guarantees from the prefecture regarding security measures” for any fan zones. He also noted the desire of community associations to establish “popular, citizen-led fan zones,” which he hopes to support, provided robust security can be assured.

Despite the broader concerns, fan zones are anticipated in Trappes and Carrière sous Poissy. Additionally, an event for up to 8,000 people is planned at Camp des Loges in Saint-Germain en Laye, the historic home of PSG. This closed venue offers a more manageable security environment than open public spaces, especially with France remaining under the Vigipirate terror alert. Arnaud Péricard, Mayor of Saint-Germain en Laye, observed that organizing public events on open roads is “virtually impossible.” He believes this security challenge extends beyond football, citing examples like the Fête des Loges in Saint-Germain, which now requires perimeter fencing and controlled access, unlike its previous open format.

“It’s a failure”

For Master Cyril Dubois, a lawyer representing the Ultras Paris supporters’ collective, football celebrations should rightfully take place in the streets. “The fact that we can no longer create these popular, unifying events without disruption is indeed a failure. More disheartening is that we’re not even attempting to establish fan zones in Paris anymore,” he lamented. Dubois pointed out that “for the semi-final, there were no fan zones either, yet we still couldn’t prevent troublemakers from causing issues.” Following PSG’s semi-final victory against Bayern, 127 arrests were made across the Parisian metropolitan area. The previous year’s final saw 491 arrests, and tragically, two individuals lost their lives in Paris and Dax amidst the post-match celebrations.