Authorities in Leipzig ordered 60 Crystal Palace supporters, labeled as known troublemakers, to leave the city centre following violent clashes with Rayo Vallecano fans before the Conference League final. The confrontation involved thrown objects and physical fights, leading to police intervention and the detention of the group.
German police have taken decisive action against 60 Crystal Palace football supporters identified as 'known troublemakers' by ordering them to leave the centre of Leipzig following violent clashes before the UEFA Conference League final.
The incidents occurred on Tuesday evening in the city, which is hosting the final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano. According to a statement released by the Leipzig police on Wednesday, after videos circulated widely on social media, the trouble began around 8pm when approximately 300 Rayo Vallecano fans, assessed as being at high risk of hooliganism, had gathered in the central area. These fans clashed with Crystal Palace supporters who were seated outdoors.
The confrontation quickly escalated, with both sides hurling bottles, beer glasses, and pieces of pub furniture at each other. Physical altercations also broke out, prompting police intervention. Officers moving to separate the two groups were themselves attacked, primarily by having objects thrown at them. Amid the disorder, a specific group of around 60 individuals from the Crystal Palace contingent advanced toward the area of the Penguin Ice Bar.
The police statement described this group as 'a group of known troublemakers from Crystal Palace.
' This group then proceeded to provoke passing Spanish fans, which led to them being promptly surrounded by federal police officers. The resulting violent clashes between rival fan groups highlighted the volatile situation ahead of the prestigious European final. Following the intervention, an investigation was launched on suspicion of breach of the peace. Police established processing lines to search all identified troublemakers and suspects.
An official announcement, read in English to those detained, informed the group that they were subject to police control measures. These measures included detention, establishment of identity, search of the person, and a full-body photograph. All 60 individuals were subsequently ordered to leave the area.
In a separate update, Saxon State police confirmed that a fan festival held in the nearby market area, which at its peak attracted approximately 2,000 people, had remained peaceful throughout the incidents and was not affected by the clashes. The UEFA Conference League final itself took place on Wednesday evening at the Leipzig Stadium, which has a capacity of 47,800. This match marks Crystal Palace's first appearance in a European final.
The police actions demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach to hooliganism in the lead-up to a major sporting event, aiming to ensure safety for all supporters and residents. The events also underscore the persistent challenges of managing fan behaviour at international football fixtures, even as overall crowd safety at stadiums has improved significantly in recent decades
Football Hooliganism UEFA Conference League Crystal Palace Rayo Vallecano Leipzig Police Fan Clashes European Final
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