28 Arrests as Chelsea and Real Betis Fans Clash Ahead of Conference League Final in Wroclaw

Violence Breaks Out in Wroclaw Ahead of Chelsea vs. Real Betis Conference League Final

In the lead-up to the highly anticipated Conference League final between Chelsea and Real Betis, 28 individuals were arrested after violent clashes broke out between fans in Wroclaw, Poland. The unrest began on Tuesday evening and escalated into further altercations on Wednesday. Video footage circulating on social media showed fans from both sides throwing chairs and engaging in running battles through the city center, prompting a swift police response.

Police Deploy Water Cannons to Control Unrest

The Polish authorities took immediate action, deploying water cannons and stun grenades to disperse the hostile crowd. A heavy police presence was maintained throughout the day, with officers surrounding the Chelsea fans as they gathered in the city’s main square. Polish police spokesperson Lukasz Dutkowiak confirmed the escalation of negative behavior by both fanbases and assured that those responsible for the violence were being identified and arrested.

Escalating Violence Results in Multiple Arrests

The disturbances continued into Wednesday, with more arrests made as tensions remained high. Authorities had already detained a Spanish citizen on Tuesday night following a scuffle, and by the early hours of Wednesday, three more Spanish nationals were arrested for removing UEFA flags from public spaces. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the violence, emphasizing a “zero tolerance” policy and pledging even more decisive actions if necessary.

Fans of Both Clubs Remain Focused on the Match

Despite the chaos surrounding the event, many fans remained determined to enjoy the occasion. Chelsea, the two-time Champions League winners, entered the final after securing a spot in next season’s Champions League through their Premier League finish. Meanwhile, Real Betis supporters were thrilled to be in the club’s first-ever European final, eager to celebrate their team’s success and potentially overshadow local rivals Sevilla.

Betis Fans Stay Positive Amidst Violence

Despite the clashes, Betis fans like Juan and Maria expressed excitement about the final. Juan noted, “There’s always someone bad in a crowd of 50,000 people,” but emphasized that the majority were there to enjoy the football and celebrate. Maria echoed the sentiment, stressing that most fans simply wanted to enjoy the match and weren’t intimidated by the violence.

Police Ensure Safety for All Fans in Wroclaw

Thanks to a large police presence, authorities reassured the public that fans could feel safe in the city, despite the tensions. As the match kicked off later that evening under steady rain, the focus shifted to the game itself, with fans of both clubs eagerly awaiting what promised to be an exciting final.

Conclusion: A Historic Night for Both Chelsea and Real Betis Fans

With a mix of excitement and tension, the Conference League final in Wroclaw was a historic event for both Chelsea and Real Betis supporters. While the violence marred the build-up to the match, the spirit of football prevailed, and fans were able to focus on the excitement of the game itself.