Crystal Palace followers conflict with Rayo Vallecano rivals as riot cops smacked in face with chairs
Crystal Palace fans clashed with Rayo Vallecano supporters ahead of the UEFA Conference League final in Germany on Wednesday, with footage showing riot cops being smacked in the face with chairs
Violent clashes erupted ahead of the UEFA Conference League final in Germany(Image: x)
Shocking footage has captured the moment police officers were smacked in the face with chairs hurled by football fans during violent clashes ahead of the UEFA Conference League final in Germany.
Videos circulating on social media show chaos erupting outside a pub in Leipzig as Crystal Palace supporters gathered before Wednesday’s showdown against Rayo Vallecano – the first European final in the club’s history.
Dozens of riot police were seen storming towards crowds of supporters in the city centre as tensions boiled over. In one of the most dramatic moments, fans launched chairs directly at officers, with several cops appearing to be struck in the face amid the disorder.
“Kicking off big time in the square,” a Crystal Palace fan wrote alongside a clip shared online. A large group of men dressed in black T-shirts were also seen arriving at the location shortly before violence erupted.
Witnesses described scenes of total chaos as chairs and punches were exchanged between rival groups, forcing police to intervene. Diners and drinkers sitting outside nearby bars just yards from the violence scrambled away from the area as the disorder intensified.
More men in black T-shirts continued to arrive while smashing glass and shouting filled the square. Further chairs were hurled through the air before baton-wielding police eventually pushed the larger group backwards in an attempt to restore order.
It remains unclear who initiated the clash in Leipzig. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said German officers had explained the English crowd were being held over an alleged breach of peace, which would constitute a criminal offence under German law.
The group were as a result subject to police control measures, including detention, establishment of ID, search of person, and full-body photograph.
Both Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano are bidding to win the UEFA Conference League for the first time. The Eagles are chasing the first European trophy in their history, with victory also securing a place in next season’s Europa League.
Meanwhile, a manhunt has been launched after an Arsenal fan was allegedly beaten to death in Uganda on the day the club celebrated its Premier League title triumph.
Police said the suspect in Sunday’s incident is believed to be a Manchester United supporter. Mikel Arteta’s side secured Arsenal’s first top-flight trophy in 22 years following a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, sparking celebrations among supporters across Uganda, where the club has a huge fan base.
But a 34-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, identified only as Denis, died in the capital Kampala after an alleged altercation. Denis had reportedly been watching the match at a viewing centre in his home suburb of Bakuli.
Kampala police spokeswoman Rachel Kawala said: “The incident occurred at about 6.30pm on Sunday. Preliminary reports indicate that Denis – who was reportedly an Arsenal FC supporter – got into a misunderstanding with a man.
“His name is Musiramu, and he is said to be a fan of Manchester United. The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical altercation, during which the suspect allegedly struck Denis on the head. It caused him to fall to the ground, and die instantly. Efforts to trace and arrest the suspect are ongoing.” Read the full story here.
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