Supporters of Chelsea and Real Betis have been involved in confrontations ahead of Wednesday’s Conference League final in Wroclaw, Poland, prompting authorities to issue a stern warning regarding violent behaviour.
Videos circulating on social media depicted groups of fans in the city centre throwing chairs at one another and engaging in tumultuous clashes on Tuesday evening.
Polish law enforcement stated they are working to identify individuals involved in a particular altercation and have arrested one Spanish national following a brawl on Tuesday night. Additionally, three more Spaniards were taken into custody in the early hours of Wednesday for removing UEFA Conference League Final flags.
The previous week’s Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur was also overshadowed by disturbances among supporters leading up to the match in Bilbao.
“We have a zero tolerance policy for violence on our streets!” declared Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on X.
“I express my gratitude to the police for their decisive actions against the hooligans wearing Chelsea and Betis shirts in Wroclaw. A warning: the police will not hesitate to be even more rigorous if needed!”
‘WE’RE NOT AFRAID’
Polish authorities have assured the public that a heavy police presence in key areas means everyone can feel secure.
Chelsea, who have clinched the Champions League title twice and been crowned English top-flight champions six times, arrive at the final on the back of finishing fourth in the Premier League, ensuring their place in the Champions League next season.
Meanwhile, Real Betis fans are celebrating the club’s remarkable achievement of reaching a European final for the first time in its history, hoping to outshine local rivals Sevilla with their own tale of continental triumph.
Just hours before the match on Wednesday afternoon, as steady rain fell, the majority of fans appeared to brush aside the chaos.
“In a crowd of 50,000, there’s always a few troublemakers,” remarked Betis supporter Juan in Wroclaw’s old town square.
“We are enjoying every moment of this, we’re planning to celebrate afterwards, and we hope Chelsea fans will shed a few tears.”
Another Betis fan, Maria, added: “We’re not afraid; we’re overjoyed. Most of us are just eager to enjoy the football and the match.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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