The Polish city of Wroclaw, which hosts the Conference League final on Wednesday (28), was the scene of clashes between Chelsea and Real Betis fans, generating alert from the authorities for possible new episodes of violence.
Shared images on social networks showed rival groups in the city center throwing chairs against each other and participating in widespread fights on Tuesday night (27).
According to Polish police, investigations are underway to identify those involved. A Spanish citizen was arrested after a fight the night before, and three other Spaniards were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday because they torn alluding flags to the final of the tournament.
Last week, the Entre Manchester United and Tottenham final in Bilbao was also marked by fans before the game.
Chelsea and Betis fans CLASH in explosive scenes! 😳
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball)
Authorities promise rigor
Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk used social networks to condemn the episodes: “Zero tolerance for violence on our streets!” Wrote in X (former Twitter). “I thank the police for the decisive actions against Hooligans with shirts from Chelsea and Betis in Wroclaw. Warning: If necessary, the police will be even more relentless today!”
Local authorities ensure that fans may feel safe as there is a strong police presence at strategic points in the city.
Party mood among fans
On the pitch, – two -time champion of the Champions League and six times English champion – reaches the final packed after securing fourth place at the Premier League last Sunday, which ensures a place in the next edition of.
Already the fans of living a historic moment: this is the first European final of the club, and many dream of surpassing the local rival, Sevilla, by winning an unprecedented continental title.
Even in constant rain, the mood between the fans was party, minimizing episodes of violence.
“There is always someone who causes in the middle of 50,000 people,” said Juan, Betis fan, in the central square of Wroclaw. “We are enjoying every second. We will celebrate later, and we hope that the chelsea fans cry.”
Maria, another Betis fan, stressed: “We are not afraid, we are very happy. Most of us just want to enjoy football and the game.”
(Report by Tommy Lund in Wroclaw, Alan Charish and Pawel Florkiewicz in Warsaw; Andrew Cawthorne edition)
