Women’s World Cup fears over ultras after weapons and drugs found on PSG fans’ coach prior to Champions League tie with Chelsea
- The FA will liaise with FIFA and authorities in France before Women’s World Cup
- Knives and knuckle-dusters were found on a bus of Paris Saint-Germain fans
- Their ‘ultras’ clouded Chelsea Women’s Champions League win on Thursday
- Chelsea hope the trouble does not deter their fans from going to the second leg
The FA are liaising with FIFA and French authorities ahead of the Women’s World Cup after Paris Saint-Germain ‘ultras’ clouded Chelsea Women’s Champions League win on Thursday.
The Metropolitan Police said weapons, including knives and knuckle-dusters, were found on board a coach from France carrying around 50 PSG fans. A man was arrested for possession of Class A drugs.
There were reports of damage to Chelsea’s Kingsmeadow ground — where Emma Hayes’ side won 2-0 — and disorder at Waterloo and Wimbledon stations.
The FA will liaise with FIFA and French authorities ahead of the Women’s World Cup after issues involving Paris Saint-Germain ‘ultras’ around their game with Chelsea on Thursday
Those involved were said to be PSG fans who have already been banned from men’s matches.
The Women’s World Cup begins in June and will take place across nine cities in France.
In a statement, PSG expressed ‘full support’ for fans who were denied entry after travelling to watch the quarter-final first leg.
‘The local authorities have not provided any evidence of wrongdoing, at least no fact available justifies such a ban to attend the match,’ it read.
There was reported damage at Kingsmeadow and trouble at Waterloo and Wimbledon stations
‘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 Chelsea, on the morning of the match, did not want the presence of our supporters, arguing of alleged damage to the stadium which is, according to local testimonies, prior to the arrival of our fans in London.
‘We express our fullest support to fans of Paris Saint-Germain.’
Chelsea hope the trouble will not deter fans who were considering travelling to France for the second leg this Wednesday.
They are expected to issue travel advice, while UEFA will not charge the French club.
Chelsea hope the trouble does not deter their fans from travelling for the second leg in Paris