UEFA’s contrasting sanctions: PSG’s heavy fines vs Arsenal’s modest penalty

Arsenal and Paris Saint‑Germain were sanctioned by UEFA after their supporters' conduct at the May Champions League final, but the penalties differed sharply – PSG received fines of €10,875 and €80,000 plus a suspended ticket ban, while Arsenal were fined €1,500 with no ban.

Paris Saint‑Germain were fined €10,875 for throwing objects onto the pitch and €80,000 for the lighting of fireworks during the final. The fines reflect two separate violations linked to supporter behaviour.

In addition, PSG were handed a suspended one‑game ban on selling tickets to away supporters. The ban will only be activated if the club commits further offences during a two‑year probationary period.

Arsenal’s sanction consisted of a €1,500 fine for throwing objects. No ban, suspended or otherwise, was imposed on the Gunners for the incident.

The disparity in severity is explained by the evidence: fireworks and objects were clearly seen from the PSG end on multiple occasions, whereas most fans probably weren’t even aware that any Arsenal supporter had thrown anything to incur a punishment.

Arsenal will be back in the Champions League this season, hoping to finally win the competition. The Gunners have reached the quarter‑finals, semi‑finals and the final in the last three seasons consecutively, indicating steady progress.

Though the punishments are significantly different, they do seem proportionate, reflecting the clearer incidents from PSG’s side and the limited evidence of wrongdoing among Arsenal supporters.