Violence erupts in Paris as car drives over fans and is set alight after PSG vs Arsenal game | OneFootball

At least 43 people were under arrest and one remained critical in hospital on Thursday following a night of violence in the French capital

At least 43 people were under arrest and one remained critical in hospital on Thursday following intense violence after Paris St Germain beat Arsenal to reach the European Champions League football final.

The worst incident took place close to the Champs Elysée when a car ploughed into a group of fans.

“At least three supporters were injured, one seriously, and others were sent flying,” said an investating source.

It was not immediately clear who had been driving the high-end car, after all those inside were seen running away, said the source.

A video posted on social media shows the black vehicle hitting fans, before a mob surrounds it, and then it moves forward again.

One of those injured by the car was on Thursday in intensive care in a Paris hospital, said the source, while two others were also in hospital and in a “serious condition”.

The flaming wreckage of the vehicle was filmed on the Rue Christophe-Colomb, close to the Champs-Elysée.

When it exploded, there were loud cheers from many of those in the crowd around the Champs Élysee.

Youths who appeared to be supporting Paris St Germain (PSG) were meanwhile seen confronting riot police.

Some targetted shops and financial institutions, smashing windows as they tried to get inside.

Around 2,000 Arsenal supporters had tickets for the European semi final, while others were in Paris to watch it in bars and cafés.

None of the North London club supporters were believed to be involved in any of the trouble.

In turn, there were 2,000 extra police and gendarmes on the streets of the French capital, and they tried to secure the streets from the rampaging PSG mobs.

All those involved in the rioting were believed to be linked to the Paris side, who won the tie 2-1 on the night, and 3-1 on aggregate.

A Paris Police Prefecture spokesman confirmed that at least “43 people were arrested during the PSG victory celebrations”, mainly for public order offences.

He said three people were injured by the car on the Rue Christophe-Colomb, and that a full investigation was under way.

The game itself took place at the Parc des Princes, in the west of Paris, where there were reports of ticketless fans trying to get inside the stadium.

Football related violence has become an increasingly serious problem for the French authorities in recent years, with hooligan firms associating themselves with leading clubs, including PSG.

Police will now be bracing them for the Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan in Munich on May 31.

While many Paris fans will travel, thousands more will remain on the streets of the French capital.