German police had to intervene after Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano supporters clashed in Leipzig city centre ahead of their Europa Conference League final on Wednesday evening.
Clash details
Videos on social media showed confrontations between the two sets of fans. According to German authorities, the trouble began on Tuesday evening when around 300 Rayo Vallecano fans, considered high-risk for hooliganism, encountered Palace supporters dining outside restaurants. Bottles, beer glasses, and pub furniture were thrown, and physical altercations broke out.
Police officers on the scene separated the groups, checked the identities of more than 300 people, and issued dispersal orders. A group of about 60 Crystal Palace fans, described as known troublemakers, moved to the Penguin Ice Bar area and provoked Spanish fans, leading to further police intervention.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that German authorities reported a group of English individuals being held for allegedly breaching the peace after the skirmish.
Match context
The final, kicking off at 8pm local time in Leipzig, marks the first European final for both clubs. It will be Oliver Glasner’s last match in charge of Crystal Palace before leaving at the end of the season.
Fans unable to attend the match can watch it at Selhurst Park, where around 10,000 spectators are expected. Tickets for the stadium sold out quickly, with priority given to season ticket holders.
Crystal Palace are aiming for their third trophy in three years, following their FA Cup and Community Shield victories, capping a successful period for the South London club.
