PSG fans have launched an attack on the Barcelona hotel ahead of tonight's Champions League quarter-final the Parc des Princes. In a video published by French news outlet CL Press on social media platform, X, loud bangs can be heard near the hotel while a large police presence can be seen gathering nearby.
In the caption, the news organisation explained that fireworks had been set off around the hotel at 04:10 am and that they continued for some time until police were called. It's a tactic that has been adopted several times by PSG fans over the years, while other clubs in Europe have also cottoned on to the idea in a bid to help their team gain an advantage.
Vers 4h10 cette nuit, des supporters du #PSG ont tiré des feux d’artifices à proximité de l’hôtel où dorment les joueurs de Barcelone à la veille du quart de finale de ligue des champions #PSGFCB. pic.twitter.com/6JkiIxQSGS
— CLPRESS / Agence de presse (@CLPRESSFR) April 10, 2024
The Catalan media haven't responded well to the incident, labelling it an ‘attack'. The match represents a huge opportunity for both clubs with the best teams in the competition situated on the other side of the draw. A win over these two legs would see them play one of Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals.
PSG fans rally for Barcelona clash
The incident overnight is perhaps just the start of what is expected to be an intimidating day and night for the Barcelona players and fans. PSG fans have often turned on their own players in recent years but they are seemingly buying the hatchet in a bid to help them in any way they can on Wednesday night.
Ahead of the match, the official PSG ultras group made a rallying call to all PSG supporters who are going to the match at the Parc des Princes. The Collectif Ultras Paris labelled Barcelona a “despicable team that are often favoured by referees” and urged the crowd inside the Parc des Princes to create a “hostile” atmosphere. They added:
“It is our duty to make the Parc a terrifying fortress for our adversaries. On Wednesday our team faces Barca. Our role will be crucial, and we ask everyone to help. Let's get to the stadium early, dress in red and blue, and make our opponents tremble as they jump onto the field for the warm-up.”