Violent scenes unfolded in Wroclaw as Chelsea and Real Betis fans clashed in the lead-up to the UEFA Conference League final. The situation turned volatile, prompting riot police to intervene with water cannons and other crowd-control measures. A total of 28 arrests were made as authorities attempted to restore calm in the city center.
Tensions began escalating on Tuesday night, with disturbances reported in bars around Wroclaw’s main market square. The violence resumed on Wednesday afternoon, just hours before the final was due to take place. Riot police and officers dressed in military-style uniforms were deployed throughout the city as rival fans threw bottles, smoke bombs, and other projectiles. Social media videos captured chaotic scenes of chairs and beer mugs being hurled, and groups of fans brawling in the streets.
A man, identifiable by his Chelsea tattoo and club badge, was left bloodied after a confrontation with a group of fans, including one attacker wielding a belt. Several other incidents were reported, including the use of pepper spray by police on Chelsea fans during the initial clashes on Tuesday night.
Authorities confirmed that four Spanish nationals had been detained on Tuesday, with police continuing to search for nine other individuals believed to be involved in the violence. A senior officer from the regional police department stated that swift intervention prevented the conflict from escalating further.
By Wednesday, the city center bore the marks of the unrest, described by local reports as resembling a “battlefield” before cleanup efforts returned some order overnight. Despite the heightened police presence, the mood remained tense with anticipation of further trouble before kickoff.
In response to the unrest, government officials issued strong warnings. The country’s prime minister emphasized a policy of zero tolerance for violence, pledging that law enforcement would take even more decisive action if necessary. The message was clear: any repeat of the previous night’s disorder would be met with force.
Local leaders echoed this sentiment, condemning the violent behavior and asserting that public safety remained the highest priority. They praised the police for their immediate response and pledged legal consequences for all those involved in the incidents.
The violence has cast a shadow over what was expected to be a major sporting occasion for the city. Wroclaw, chosen to host the Conference League final, had anticipated a celebration of football between two passionate clubs with dedicated fanbases. Instead, preparations were marred by street fights, police deployments, and damage to public property.
Authorities are now working to ensure that the final can proceed safely, with security measures significantly heightened around the stadium and fan zones. Both Chelsea and Real Betis supporters have been urged to conduct themselves responsibly, with the clear message that further misconduct will not be tolerated.
Despite the disturbances, the city remains determined to host a successful and peaceful match. Police presence has been intensified and intelligence teams are monitoring potential flashpoints closely. As the hours count down to kickoff, hopes remain that the focus can return to football and the spectacle of the final on the pitch, rather than the chaos that preceded it.
