Violence erupts as police intervene in clash before Conference League final

A group of English fans were detained by police following an alleged breach of the peace after clashes broke out in Leipzig ahead of Crystal Palace’s Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano.

Videos shared on social media appeared to show rival groups fighting and throwing chairs during the incident. Many were seen falling to the ground as the clash began, while others ran for cover.

A group of men wearing black T-shirts arrived at the scene shortly before violence erupted between the two groups. Chairs and glass bottles were thrown, as seen in one of the clips, as police in riot gear moved in to break up the groups.

The Press Association reported the disturbance happened outside an Irish bar, where German police later detained several English people.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said German authorities told them those involved were being held over an alleged breach of the peace, which is considered 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.

Crystal Palace will look to take on the European trophy for the first time against Rayo Vallecano. A win for Palace will also secure them a spot in the Europa League next year.

If Oliver Glasner’s team is victorious, Crystal Palace would become the third English club to win the trophy, following West Ham in 2023 and Chelsea in 2025. Glasner has said his ultimate parting gift would be to see his team in the Europa League next season.

The match is set to be played at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena on Wednesday, May 27, with kick-off scheduled for 8 pm BST.

Fans in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 6.30 pm BST. The game will also be available to stream live through HBO Max and the HBO app.