Hungarian police will launch the biggest operation Budapest has ever seen for Saturday’s Champions League Final.
When Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain close to 4,000 officers will be present, with officials in the city outlining that the figure represents the highest number ever seen on duty at the same time.
Each club has been allocated 17,000 tickets, but police are estimating around 10,000 more will descend on the nation’s capital without a ticket for the evening kick-off at the 67,155-capacity Puskas Arena.
Regular officers will be joined by motorcycle patrols, dog units, mounted police and drone operators – and fans have been warned to behave themselves.
‘We will take decisive action if we encounter any behaviour that disrupts public order,’ said Major General Dr. János Zoltán Kuczik, commander of operations.
Arsenal fans wait for the squad to arrive at the team hotel in Budapest
10,000 fans without tickets for Saturday night’s match are expected to descend on the Hungarian capital
He added that the force had been analysing the behaviour of both fanbases over the past three weeks, along with UEFA security experts.
‘It’s no secret that having fans from London and Paris in Budapest at the same time poses a significant risk, but it is our job to minimize that risk,’ Mr Kuczik explained.
‘In addition, we have reinforced our call centres, and staff who speak French and English are available. It is important that on match day, anyone who can should opt for public transportation in the capital.’
Buses will transport fans of both sides from the airport to designated areas in the city. Marches to the stadium will depart at 3pm for the 6pm local time start.
A fan zone complete with big screens will show the game for those who have been unable to buy a ticket.
