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Chelsea vs PSG: Paris Saint-Germain hit out at Blues and British police over alleged fan violence

Hannah Blundell and Erin Cuthbert gave Chelsea a 2-0 lead after the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final

Jack Rathborn
Friday 22 March 2019 11:05 GMT
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Paris Saint-Germain have hit out at Chelsea and British police after allegations of fan violence at the women's Champions League quarter-final.

Reports suggested the French club's fans brought weapons to the game and were involved in violent incidents in the city.

Goals from Hannah Blundell and Erin Cuthbert gave Chelsea 2-0 first leg lead on Thursday night, but weapons and drugs were confiscated from fans and one arrest was made beforehand.

PSG launched a strong defence of their supporters though, claiming no evidence of wrongdoing.

The statement read: "We repeat that the local authorities have not brought any evidence of wrongdoing, or at least no fact the gravity of which would justify such a ban on attending the match.

"All of our supporters have been searched, and if any of these searches or facts had been under criminal law, we can imagine that the concerned supporter(s) would not have been able to leave British territory without being disturbed.

"Surprisingly, we note that the club of Chelsea, the morning of the match, did not want the presence of our supporters, arguing of alleged damage to the stadium which are, according to local testimonies, prior to the arrival of our fans in London.

Police interact with PSG fans (PA)

"We express our fullest support to fans of Paris Saint-Germain who, in the middle of the week, had arranged their schedule to come support our women's team and we count on their fervour during the return match next Wednesday, Paris."

The disorder began in the morning at the stadium in Kingston where a group of PSG fans are accused of causing "criminal damage" around 8 am.

PSG fans at the Champions League match (Getty)

The Metropolitan Police said "all those involved had left the scene" when officers arrived.

The force also reported "sporadic instances of disorder involving PSG supporters at both Waterloo and Wimbledon stations."

PSG fans attend the Champions League match (PA)

Police then stopped a bus that was taking fans to the stadium and found weapons, including knives and knuckle-dusters, and illegal drugs.

Police arrested one man for possession of drugs and said "the remaining passengers were escorted from the area by police."

AP contributed to this report

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