Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano supporters were involved in violent clashes in Leipzig on the eve of their Conference League final, with German police coming under attack from both sets of fans. Footage shared on social media showed a group of men in black t-shirts charging at Palace supporters outside the Irish bar Dhillons, with chairs and punches exchanged before riot police intervened.
Leipzig Police said that around 300 Rayo Vallecano fans considered to be at high risk of hooliganism had gathered in the city centre at approximately 8pm. Clashes suddenly broke out near the outdoor seating area of Leo's Brasserie, where English fans were seated on the terraces of both that restaurant and Dhillons. Bottles, beer glasses and pub furniture were thrown during the disorder.
Police officers immediately separated the groups, but were attacked by fans from both sides, primarily through the throwing of objects. The situation initially calmed down, but a second clash soon followed when around 60 known Crystal Palace troublemakers advanced to the area of the Penguin Ice Bar and provoked passing Spanish fans. They were promptly surrounded by federal police.
Officers set up processing lines to search suspected troublemakers, with around 320 fans forced to give their identity details. Many were ordered to leave the area. Two people were arrested in the operation, which ended at 3.15am, and two police officers suffered minor injuries. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said German officers had explained that the crowd was held over an alleged breach of peace, which would constitute a criminal offence under German law.
Crystal Palace face Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday evening in their first ever European final. Victory would cap an extraordinary 12 months for the club, which has already won the FA Cup and Community Shield, and would secure qualification for the Europa League. The match will be Oliver Glasner's final game in charge as Palace manager.
