Fair play to the ultras, turning out in support of PSG’s women’s team just as they would for the men
Weapons, fireworks and drugs, the holy trinity for any self-respecting football hooligan, were found on board a coach carrying Paris Saint-Germain supporters to their Champions League tie against Chelsea Women on Thursday night.
The weapons – including knives and a knuckleduster – were recovered by Metropolitan police along with class A drugs. One man was arrested for possession whilst the rest of the passengers were escorted to safety by the police.
According to Jacqui Oatley hooligans also damaged Chelsea’s Kingsmeadow ground before the match.
This is the coach of PSG supporters being sent back to France. I’m told there were weapons – knuckle duster and knives – plus drugs on board. They damaged Chelsea’s Kingsmeadow ground this morning before returning later. Banned from PSG men’s and youth games but not women’s. pic.twitter.com/5u1IdTvUTm
— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) March 21, 2019
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes told BBC Sport of the incident:
“We have to remember that the women’s game is progressing, that fans are following, and with that comes the same level of scrutiny, and ultimately they have to behave, whether it’s our fans or their fans. The police dealt with it in the right way.”
“The police took care of what they had to, and I expect that the organisation and preparation for that will make sure that our fans are safe. I don’t think we should discourage anyone from going.”
Chelsea won the first leg 2-0 thanks to two late goals from Hannah Blundell and Erin Cuthbert and will travel to Paris next Wednesday with a great chance of reaching the semi-finals.
