PSG Thugs Target Villa Fans in Paris, Prompting Police Crackdown Ahead of UCL Clash with Prince William

Aston Villa Fans Targeted in Paris Brawl Ahead of Champions League Clash
[Image: Supporters brawling in Paris streets]
Caption: Disturbing scenes erupted between fans in Paris ahead of the Champions League quarter-final.

Aston Villa supporters were deliberately attacked by a group of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) hooligans in Paris on Tuesday night, according to reports. The violent clash occurred in the Pigalle district, a nightlife hub near the Moulin Rouge, hours before Villa’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against PSG on Wednesday.

Targeted Violence
Footage shared online showed chaotic scenes of punches and chairs being thrown, with one fan heard exclaiming, “F**ing hell,” as the brawl unfolded. A source close to French police told The Sun* that PSG ultras, many with hoods pulled up, sought out Villa fans to attack. “They knew who they were looking for—anybody supporting Aston Villa,” the source said, adding that the assailants were likely linked to the disbanded far-right group Kop of Boulogne, dissolved in 2008 after racist attacks.

[Image: Police monitoring fans at a train station]
Caption: Security was heightened at Paris train stations ahead of the match.

Security Ramped Up
Paris police deployed five mobile units and increased surveillance at key locations, including train stations, to prevent further violence. A dedicated unit was assigned to monitor Villa fans, with approximately 1,000 supporters traveling without tickets due to limited allocations. The match was classified as a “risk of trouble” (level 3/5) by French authorities.

No arrests were made initially, though police confirmed footage of the brawl was under review. English law firm Football Law Associates warned that Villa fans involved could face extradition and prison time in France.

Prince William’s Attendance
[Image: Prince William at a football match]
Caption: Prince William, a lifelong Villa fan, is expected to attend the game.

The clash drew attention as Prince William, a well-known Villa supporter, plans to attend the match. His presence underscores the high-profile nature of Villa’s first Champions League quarter-final since 1982-83.

Rising Football Violence in France
The incident follows a surge in fan violence in French football this season. The interior ministry reported 64 matches marred by serious incidents and 627 arrests—a 41% increase from the previous year. Last week, authorities proposed banning Paris FC’s Legion X fan group over persistent violence.

[Image: Villa fans in Paris before the brawl]
Caption: Villa fans gathered peacefully in Paris prior to the attack.

Previous Incidents
Villa’s European campaigns have been overshadowed by violence before. In December 2023, 46 Legia Warsaw fans were arrested after clashes outside Villa Park, during which a police officer suffered burns from a flare. Legia blamed Villa’s ticket policies and policing for the incident.

Match Context
Unai Emery’s Villa enters the tie after a 2-1 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest. Despite the off-field chaos, the team aims to focus on their historic European run.

[Image: Villa players celebrating a goal]
Caption: Aston Villa prepare for their biggest European match in decades.

French authorities urged clubs and fans to help restore calm, warning that stadium bans and dissolutions would follow if violence persists. As tensions remain high, all eyes will be on the Parc des Princes—both for the football and the hope of a peaceful contest.

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