Sixty Crystal Palace fans were removed from central Leipzig after clashes ahead of the Conference League final
Supporters associated with The Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano were involved in violent riots in Leipzig on Tuesday night ahead of the UEFA Conference League final.
According to the Saxon state police, around 300 Rayo Vallecano fans classified as “high risk” gathered in the city center before clashes broke out between rival groups.
Bottles, beer glasses, chairs and punches were reportedly exchanged as tensions escalated in the streets.
The police intervene as the violence escalates
Police intervened after verbal confrontations turned physical, and riot police officers were deployed to separate the groups and restore order. Authorities said two officers suffered minor injuries during the operation.
A police statement confirmed that approximately 60 Crystal Palace fans identified as “known troublemakers” advanced towards the Penguin Ice Bar area, where they allegedly provoked passing Spanish fans.
Federal police surrounded the group and ordered them to leave the area.
Two people were arrested during the overnight riots, while more than 320 fans were involved in police operations that lasted until around 3:15am local time.
Reports from ESPN state that the 60 Palace fans were not completely expelled from Leipzig and were allowed to return to the city center from 10am on Wednesday.
Calm scenes in the fan zone despite the unrest
Despite the unrest, officials said the fan zone at the Marktplatz remained peaceful.
About 2,000 fans from both clubs reportedly gathered without incident ahead of the final in the Red Bull Arena.
An estimated 20,000 Palace fans traveled from south London for the game, with around 16,000 holding tickets for the club’s first major European final.
Glasner eyes farewell to the trophy
The game could also mark a significant farewell for Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who aims to end his spell at the club with another trophy after previous success in the FA Cup and Community Shield.
