Arsenal fans will hope Paris has learned lessons from Liverpool controversy

Arsenal will head to the Parc de Princes on Wednesday hoping to secure a place in the 2024/25 Champions League final.

The 1-0 home defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg has given the Gunners a mountain to climb in the reverse fixture.

While they will understandably be focused on the game, the club’s bosses will undoubtedly have one eye on off-field matters.

The 2021/22 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool at the Stade de France raised questions about Paris’ ability to stage major football games.

French police acted confrontationally rather than operating as public servants, which inflamed a sensitive situation.

While they were subsequently found to have failed in their duty to protect people, that ruling may have little weight.

Law enforcement in France has traditionally run on a ‘smash heads first, deal with the fallout later’ policy, which should concern Arsenal fans.

Liverpool’s reputation did not help their cause, with their previous involvement in hooliganism in Europe still a factor when it comes to policing their games.

The despicable antics at Heysel Stadium in 1985 stained the club’s reputation and unquestionably factored into how the club are policed in Europe today.

Travelling Arsenal fans will hope the brainless antics of others do not negatively impact their enjoyment of their visit to Paris on Wednesday.