Two arrests after Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano fans clash before Conference League final | OneFootball

Two arrests and two minor police injuries followed clashes between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano supporters in Leipzig ahead of Wednesday’s Conference League final, Saxon State Police said.

The disturbance began in the city centre at about eight pm on Tuesday, roughly 24 hours before the match at RB Arena. Thousands from both clubs have travelled for their first European final.

More than 300 people were involved, with 60 later detained to verify identities on suspicion of a breach of the peace, before being dispersed after several hours.

Palace fans seated outside restaurants were confronted by Rayo followers and bottles, beer glasses and pub furniture were thrown. Officers intervened quickly to split the groups but were struck by projectiles, injuring two.

A group of Crystal Palace risk supporters moved towards the Penguin Eisbar area, with Rayo risk supporters also involved. The 60 provoked passing Spanish fans and were promptly encircled by Federal Police.

Elsewhere, large groups from both clubs mixed without trouble near the market square and the dedicated fanzone, with over 2,000 present and a consistently peaceful atmosphere as fans chanted together.

Rayo finished eighth in La Liga and have never won a major trophy. Palace ended this Premier League season 15th and are hopeful of further success after last year’s FA Cup win.

Source: NY Times