Police have been forced into action as Chelsea and Real Betis supporters brawled in the streets of Wroclaw.
Footage emerged of fans hurling chairs and other missiles at one another in the Polish city’s Market Square while local law enforcement attempted to diffuse the situation.
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There was also footage of Polish police in riot gear keeping the opposing fans at bay, with tear gas sprayed in the direction of Blues supporters.
In a statement from the Provincial Police Headquarters in Wroclaw, they claim there was ‘no further escalation of the conflict or negative behaviour’ after officers reported to the scene.
“The fans scattered in different directions and currently the police officers of the criminal division are conducting activities aimed at identifying them,” the statement read.
“The number of preventive and operational police forces and their saturation is so large in places where residents and sports fans gather or move around that everyone can feel safe.
The statement added: “Firefighters from the Municipal Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Wroclaw and rescuers are also ready to respond immediately, especially in the area of the stadium and all fan zones.’
The violent scenes in Poland came ahead of Wednesday’s Conference League final between the two sides, a match you can listen to live on talkSPORT.
Prior to the melees in the street, local publication Gazeta Wroclawska warned residents to expect 70,000 fans to descend upon the city for the final.
The report added the western part of the city was expected to be the most affected as a number of road closures were enacted.
Additionally, residents were told they should avoid travelling by car and instead use public transport to get around the city due to the increased traffic measures to cope with the influx of visitors.
More to follow…
