Breaking News: Clashes in Leipzig Ahead of Conference League Final
Police have reported that 60 Crystal Palace fans, labeled as “known troublemakers,” were ordered to leave Leipzig city center on Tuesday evening. This action followed clashes between supporters of Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano.
Thousands of fans are in Leipzig for the Conference League final scheduled for Wednesday at 20:00 BST. Saxon State Police confirmed two arrests were made after videos of the disturbances circulated online.
During the clashes, two officers sustained minor injuries. Around 300 Rayo Vallecano fans, identified as high-risk for hooliganism, gathered in the city center around 20:00. Police stated that confrontations erupted between the fans sitting at outdoor terraces of local bars.
Witnesses reported that bottles, beer glasses, and pub furniture were thrown during the altercations. Officers quickly intervened, separating the groups and issuing dispersal orders to more than 300 individuals.
The police operation concluded around 03:15 on Wednesday morning, involving over 320 fans. Despite the clashes, local authorities noted that the ‘fan fest’ in Leipzig’s market area remained peaceful, with about 2,000 fans from both clubs present.
