The city of Wroclaw was buzzing with excitement and nerves as tens of thousands of football fans gathered ahead of the Europa Conference League final.
But amid the build-up, things took a violent turn, casting a shadow over what should have been a festive atmosphere.
Supporters from Chelsea and Real Betis clashed repeatedly, leading to serious confrontations that required heavy police intervention.
Brutal Attack on Chelsea Fan Sparks Outrage
One of the most shocking moments came when a Chelsea fan was viciously attacked by a group of Real Betis supporters.
Graphic images show the Chelsea supporter being surrounded in the street, punched and kicked, left with a bloody nose and visibly shaken.
Despite clutching a can of beer in his hand, he was unable to defend himself as the attackers overwhelmed him.
This violent assault happened just hours before the match, as police struggled to keep the peace.
The victim was led away bleeding, his t-shirt stained red, underscoring how quickly tensions spiraled out of control.
Police Use Water Cannon and Riot Gear to Contain Chaos
As fighting erupted near Wroclaw’s central square, riot police had to step in forcefully.
They deployed water cannons to disperse the crowds, with officers forming barricades to separate the rival fans.
The clashes included thrown bottles, chairs, and even flares, turning the streets into a dangerous battleground.
Journalists on the scene described nearly being hit by flying bottles, while others reported seeing fans hit with objects and suffering head injuries.
The sheer scale of aggression forced police to respond swiftly to prevent further injury.
Fights and Pepper Spray Mark the Pre-Match Tensions
The violence didn’t just flare up on the day of the final.
Trouble had been brewing since the day before, with police tracking down fans involved in earlier scuffles.
On the eve of the final, supporters clashed outside a local restaurant, hurling chairs and resisting police efforts to keep order.
Pepper spray was reportedly used by officers to control unruly crowds.
Local media described the fans involved as “thugs” and condemned the destruction of city property.
Authorities called on residents to report any dangerous incidents to help maintain safety during the high-profile event.
Police Step Up Security with Undercover Officers
With more than 70,000 fans descending on Wroclaw—far exceeding the stadium’s 42,000 capacity—authorities mobilized an impressive force of around 2,000 police officers from across Poland.
This included officers in plain clothes tasked with rooting out troublemakers before they could spark more violence.
The police assured the public that their presence was strong and visible across the city to keep residents and genuine football supporters safe.
Official Statement from Wroclaw Police
In response to the clashes, the Provincial Police Headquarters released a statement praising the quick action of officers, which helped prevent further escalation.
They confirmed that fans fled in different directions after the incidents and that investigations were underway to identify those responsible.
The police emphasized that their heightened presence in key areas was designed to ensure safety for everyone, especially in crowded spots where fans and locals mingled.
Chelsea’s Big Moment Overshadowed by Violence
As Chelsea aimed to add the Conference League trophy to their impressive collection—which already includes Champions League and Europa League titles—the fan violence in Wroclaw cast a dark cloud over the occasion.
Supporters had hoped for a day of celebration and football spirit, but instead found themselves caught up in dangerous and chaotic scenes.