Before the Conference League final, chaos broke out as rival football fans clashed in the streets. Police quickly stepped in, making several arrests to control the situation. The violent scenes shocked many ahead of the much-anticipated match.
Trouble in Wroclaw Before Big Match
Before the UEFA Conference League final between Chelsea and Real Betis, football fans caused serious trouble in the Polish city of Wroclaw. The city was crowded with supporters, but some lost control and clashed violently in public areas.
Big Fight in Market Square
On Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of fans from both clubs fought in Wroclaw’s Market Square. Police arrived quickly and stopped the violence before it got worse. A water cannon was ready in case the situation got out of hand, but it was not needed.
Wroclaw City Hall later said, “The water cannon was only on standby. The situation did not get bad enough to use it.”
Police Take Action Fast
The local police worked with British officers and special negotiators to calm things down. Their quick actions helped stop more violence from breaking out.
Police later confirmed that 28 people were arrested for their involvement in the fights. The city hall said, “Order has since been maintained across the city.”
The match went ahead without any more problems. Around 41,000 people filled the Stadion Wroclaw, and another 5,500 fans watched from a fan zone nearby.
Tuesday Night Violence Too
The trouble didn’t only happen on the day of the final. On Tuesday evening, fans clashed near Solny Square. Riot police had to use tear gas to break up the crowds. During the short but intense fight, chairs and glass bottles were thrown.
There were two more fights later that night. Police arrested seven people, including four Spanish fans. Thankfully, no one was badly hurt, and only minor damage was reported.
Strong Message from Leaders
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk strongly condemned the violence. On social media, he wrote:
“Zero tolerance for violence on our streets! I thank the police for their quick actions. We warn you: if needed, the police will be even more strict!”
Local police also gave a strong message:
“No one will escape punishment. We will take firm action against anyone who causes trouble.”
Match Ends Peacefully – Chelsea Wins
Even after all the drama before the match, the final itself went smoothly. Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 and lifted the Conference League trophy. It was a proud moment for the team and their fans.
However, the violent scenes before the match were a sad reminder that football should bring people together – not cause harm. Police stayed on duty through the night to make sure everyone stayed safe.
Summary Table: Arrests and Incidents
| Incident Location | Date | Details | Arrests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Square | May 22 (Wed) | Main fan fight before the final | 28 |
| Solny Square | May 21 (Tues) | Chairs and bottles thrown, tear gas used | 7 |
| Stadion Wroclaw | May 22 (Wed) | Match held peacefully | 0 |
Football is full of passion, but it should always be safe and respectful. Authorities have promised to take strong actions to stop fan violence in the future.
