Riots in Paris
©IMAGO
Kai Havertz was clearly disappointed about missing out on the Champions League title with Arsenal FC. And yet the German international’s expression cleared up a little when he thought about the World Cup with his DFB colleagues. Meanwhile, the Gunners supporters and coach Mikel Arteta were angry at referee Daniel Siebert, there were riots and arrests in Paris – and the press erected a monument to the now three-time premier class winner Luis Enrique.
“Huge anticipation, of course. I’ve already watched a few videos on YouTube from the boys and can’t wait to join the boys,” said striker Havertz on “Sky” after the bitter 3:4 penalty shootout against Paris Saint-Germain. The 26-year-old will miss the last international match before the US trip against Finland this evening in Mainz (8:45 p.m./ZDF). He will fly directly to the USA on Tuesday and meet his DFB colleagues in Chicago. “Now another day or two break,” explained Havertz, who had long made the English dream of a historic first victory in the premier class with his opening goal.
“Of course it’s a great feeling, but it still doesn’t do much for me right now,” he said about his historic goal in the sixth minute. Havertz is now the first German footballer to score a goal in two different Champions League finals. Five years ago he shot Chelsea to the title. The fact that he was no longer able to intervene in the penalty shootout visibly bothered Havertz. “It’s always difficult for me to watch instead of standing there myself. Nevertheless, respect to everyone who takes the ball. We accept that and will still celebrate an outstanding season for us tomorrow,” the attacker made clear.
Arsenal won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years last week. A success in the Champions League final should crown the super season. It was the club’s first defeat in the 15th game of the season in the premier class. “We’ll try again next year,” Havertz announced.
Controversial penalty scene: Arteta criticizes referee Siebert
Meanwhile, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta criticized German referee Daniel Siebert after he failed to award England a penalty in extra time in the Champions League final. “I looked at all the penalties in the tournament over the last 72 hours to understand what is a penalty and what isn’t, and this may well be a penalty,” complained the Spaniard. Arsenal’s Noni Madueke had a running duel with PSG defender Nuno Mendes in the penalty area and fell to the ground. Arteta and Declan Rice loudly complained about a penalty and called for a VAR review. However, Siebert refused to change his mind, stuck to his decision and showed Arteta and Rice the yellow card for their protests.
Siebert had felt the displeasure of the Arsenal fans several times in the final and was booed mercilessly. Right before half-time, for example, when Arsenal got a corner. But because Bukayo Saka took so much time, Siebert ended the half before the set piece could be taken. With his consistent line, Siebert has already implemented the new rules against time play, which will apply from the World Cup. These include the 8-second rule for goalkeepers and the 5-second rule for throw-ins and goal kicks.
After another PSG triumph: The international press reviews
“A new star shines over Paris! Congratulations to PSG, who are making all of Europe dream. France is proud,” wrote French President Emanuel Macron on “X” after the final. “I’m completely exhausted after this game. But I’m also happy, we defended the title. We played a great game,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique on TV. This is what the international press wrote about the final in Budapest.
Great Britain
“The Guardian”: “It was a spectacle that captivated the football world, the tension rose exponentially, everything was at stake. (…) For Arsenal it was very simple. Let’s forget the ‘Invincibles’. They were on the verge of becoming immortal.”
“Times”: “Penalty shootout heartbreak: Arsenal miss out on first European title.”
“Daily Mail”: “Arsenal’s heartbreak. These Arsenal players can be proud of themselves tonight despite everything. (…) What a brutal way to lose a final. The worst.”
Telegraph: “The final act of this memorable season was Arsenal’s defensive stalwart Gabriel Magalhães firing the decisive penalty well over the Paris Saint-Germain goal. The Parisians then lit flares to celebrate the second year of their European dominance. For Arsenal, it was a most painful defeat.”
France
“L’Équipe”: “A double act for the history books.”
“Le Parisien”: “Paris Saint-Germain is making history forever with this success in the penalty shootout! A year after its first title win, the club gets a second star under the sky of Budapest. The Champions League belongs to Paris again!”
“Le Monde”: “The Parisians win their second Champions League title after a breathtaking penalty shootout.”
“Le Figaro”: “Paris is making history. A year after winning its first Champions League, PSG achieved the feat of defending the title. This time, however, it was no easy feat: in an exciting and hard-fought final, they faced Arsenal and their impressive defense. Luis Enrique’s team had to wait until penalties to beat the Gunners and secure the second star!”
“Le Sud-Ouest”: “Paris are champions of Europe for the second time.”
Spain
“Mundo Deportivo”: “Luis Enrique III crowns himself with PSG. (…) Three Champions League titles confirm him as one of the greatest coaches in history and as the best at the moment.”
“AS”: “Luis Enrique is a PSG legend. The Spanish coach deserves eternal glory in Paris. With the Asturian, the team that dreamed of becoming one of the greats of Europe is invincible.”
“Marca”: “Luis Enrique ascends to Olympus with PSG.”
“Sport”: “Luis Enrique deserves a statue in Paris.”
Italy
“Gazzetta dello Sport”: “The reign continues. PSG are champions of Europe for the second time in a row. (…) The celebration of the PSG fans, the red smoke bombs that were set off immediately after the Gunners’ Brazilian defender missed the decisive shot in front of their eyes, is the crowning achievement for Luis Enrique and this team that he has molded in his image.”
After the Champions League final: arrests and riots
There were several arrests and incidents in Paris on Saturday after Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final. As French media reported with reference to the Paris prefecture, around 80 people were arrested, 45 of whom were taken into police custody. Over the course of the evening, there were clashes between emergency services and groups of rioters in individual areas of the capital. A bus stop was damaged and further property damage was reported.
The situation escalated particularly on the Champs-Élysées: masked people and emergency services clashed several times and projectiles and tear gas were used. Several people were arrested. Around 8,000 police officers were deployed in Paris, and a total of 22,000 nationwide. The game was broadcast live from Budapest in an official public viewing at the Parc des Princes. According to the French press, the stadium was almost completely full and could accommodate around 40,000 to 48,000 spectators.
