Arsenal fan with life-threatening injury after Budapest scooter accident walks out of hospital because he is desperate to see Champions League final

By ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 16:12, 30 May 2026 | Updated: 16:17, 30 May 2026 An Arsenal fan who was today left with life-threatening injuries following an e-scooter accident has sparked a major police search after he fled hospital to attend the Champions League final. The British man, who is said to be in need of 'immediate' medical attention, was involved in the incident in Budapest, Hungary, earlier this afternoon. Police said he was taken to hospital, where he was found to have life-threatening injuries - but keen not to miss out on the action against Paris Saint-Germain at the Puskas Arena, he left. Officers are carrying out an urgent search and are trying to contact him and his relatives, a spokesperson said. No details of the man's identity have been shared at this stage. It comes as tens of thousands of Arsenal fans mass in the Hungarian capital ahead of kickoff, at 5pm UK time. It is estimated an extra 45,000 supporters are currently in the city, with those without tickets heading to bars, pubs and fan zones. Hungarian police have deployed almost 4,000 officers across Budapest, making it the largest operation in the city's history. Arsenal fans are pictured in Budapest this weekend ahead of tonight's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain  Arsenal fans gather in dedicated supporter areas in Budapest, Hungary today Arsenal supporters dance with Arsenal's mascot Gunnersaurus as they march towards the stadium in Budapest Ardenal fans take to cafes and restaurants in Budapest for breakfast this morning Posting on social media, the force said an 'English man' was taken to hospital following the incident this afternoon. 'He suffered a life-threatening injury, however he left the hospital voluntarily because he wanted to go to the match anyway,' a spokesperson said. 'The police are still searching for him and trying to contact him and his relatives, because the man needs immediate medical attention.' Fans in Budapest are hoping to witness a historic night for the Gunners. Arsenal have only appeared in the final once before in 2006, and while they were the first London club to make it all the way, they were ultimately beaten 2-1 by Barcelona. Supporters are crossing their fingers for a repeat of their side's recent Premier League success.  Manager Mikel Arteta has seen the side from 14th to top spot this season, the first time Arsenal has won the league in 22 years. The north London side - famously supported by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer - will be looking to finally fulfil their long-held dream of being crowned kings in Europe when they go head to head with the French side this evening. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.