Two arrested as Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano fans clash in Leipzig
Police have made two arrests and ordered 60 Crystal Palace fans to leave Leipzig following violent clashes ahead of the Conference League final.
Violent clashes erupted in Leipzig between supporters of Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano ahead of the Europa Conference League final. Local authorities confirmed that two arrests were made, and two police officers sustained minor injuries during the intervention.
The incident occurred when approximately 300 Rayo Vallecano fans, identified by police as being at high risk of hooliganism, gathered in the city centre. According to the Saxon State Police, clashes broke out suddenly with Palace supporters who were seated at outdoor terraces. The groups reportedly threw bottles, beer glasses, and pub furniture at each other.
Officers intervened to separate the groups and checked the identities of more than 300 individuals. Police ordered 60 Crystal Palace fans, classified as "known troublemakers," to leave the city centre immediately after they were observed provoking Spanish supporters.
Bottles, beer glasses, and pub furniture were thrown at each other. Physical altercations also occurred. Saxon State Police
Despite the disruption, police noted that the designated "fan fest" in the market area remained peaceful, with roughly 2,000 supporters from both sides in attendance. The police operation concluded early Wednesday morning.