German police ordered around 60 Crystal Palace fans to leave Leipzig city centre after clashes with Rayo Vallecano supporters on the eve of the Conference League final. The disorder began at approximately 8pm on Tuesday, when around 300 Rayo Vallecano fans considered to be at high risk of hooliganism gathered in the city centre.
Clashes broke out near the outdoor seating area of Leo's Brasserie and Dhillons Irish bar, where English fans were seated. Bottles, beer glasses, and pub furniture were thrown, and physical fights erupted. Police officers intervened and separated the groups, but were attacked by both sets of fans, primarily through the throwing of objects.
After the situation calmed, a second clash occurred when a group of known Crystal Palace troublemakers advanced to the area of the Penguin Ice Bar, provoking Spanish fans. Federal police surrounded the approximately 60 individuals. Officers set up processing lines and searched fans identified as troublemakers.
Around 320 fans were forced to give their identity details, with many ordered to leave the area. Two people were arrested, and two police officers suffered minor injuries. The operation ended at 3.15am. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said German officers explained the crowd was held over an alleged breach of peace under German law.
Crystal Palace face Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday evening in their first ever European final, with manager Oliver Glasner taking charge of his final game. Victory would cap an extraordinary 12 months for the club, which has already won the FA Cup and Community Shield, and secure Europa League qualification.
