Arsenal have received a UEFA sanction following their Champions League campaign, which ended with a defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest last month.
UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body fined Arsenal €2,250 for the "lighting of fireworks" offence following an incident involving supporters during the club's Champions League round-of-16 first leg away to Bayer Leverkusen.
Arsenal supporters lit fireworks in the away section during the 1-1 draw. UEFA rules prohibit pyrotechnics inside stadiums on safety grounds, and clubs are held responsible for the conduct of their supporters regardless of whether they authorised the behaviour.
Why UEFA Have Fined Arsenal
The €2,250 fine, roughly £1,945, carries no sporting consequences. Arsenal will not face a competition ban, points deduction, or suspensions for players or staff as a result of the sanction. UEFA's regulations make clear that clubs are responsible for the conduct of their supporters at away matches.
The sanction reflects that principle. Arsenal have not publicly commented on the disciplinary decision.
Arsenal's Journey to the Champions League Final
The sanction comes after a Champions League campaign in which Arsenal reached the latter stages. Mikel Arteta's side topped the league phase with a perfect record, finishing 10 points and 10 places ahead of PSG in the standings.
They progressed through to the knockout rounds with the competition's best defensive record, conceding just six goals in 14 matches before the final. The fireworks incident came during Arsenal's 1-0 aggregate victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16.
Kai Havertz gave Arsenal a sixth-minute lead, and Mikel Arteta's side held their advantage until the 64th minute. Les Parisiens equalised through an Ousmane Dembele penalty in the 64th minute after Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Neither side could find a winner in extra time. The Gunners appealed for a penalty when Noni Madueke went down under pressure from Nuno Mendes, but referee Daniel Siebert waved play on.
The shootout ended 4-3 in PSG's favour. Gabriel Magalhaes sent the decisive penalty over the bar, handing PSG back-to-back Champions League titles.
Arsenal remain the most-played club never to win the competition, with 226 matches and still no European crown.
What Happens Next for Arsenal?
Despite defeat in Budapest, Arsenal will return to the Champions League next season after securing qualification by winning the Premier League. The 2026-27 Champions League draw will take place on August 27, 2026, with the league phase beginning in September.
The North Londoners return to the competition after qualifying as Premier League champions, with Mikel Arteta maintaining that his squad is still developing. The UEFA disciplinary case will be resolved once the fine is paid.
Attention will then turn to Arsenal's next Champions League campaign, which begins in September.
