Over 5,000 policemen deployed in Paris ahead of Champions League final
Although the match will be held in Munich, a PSG victory would be expected to spark celebrations in the club’s home city, which could escalate into disturbances.
The city of Paris will deploy 5,400 police officers for Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan.
Police chief Laurent Nunez said on Friday in an interview with French broadcaster Cnews that the measure is necessary, considering the fact that there is genuine expectation PSG could win the match, sparking widespread celebrations.
Although the match will be held in Munich, a PSG victory would be expected to spark celebrations in the club’s home city, which could escalate into disturbances.
A loss could also have repercussions, and as such, the Police are not taking any chances.
In light of the incident in Liverpool earlier this week in which a car ploughed into soccer fans, Nunez said traffic around the Arc de Triomphe, one of the city's best-known landmarks, will be blocked from midday Saturday, with the Champs-Élysées boulevard and nearby streets also closed that evening.
PSG’s win over Arsenal earlier this month, which secured their place in the final, sparked a night of unrest in Paris, with 47 people arrested and three others injured after being hit by a car.
"From 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) this Saturday, there will be no more traffic on the Champs-Élysées and in the perpendicular streets," Nunez said.
PSG will be looking to beat Inter and, in the process, collect their maiden UEFA Champions League crown, having fallen short in recent years.
Kick off will be at 10 pm Kenyan time.
