Two arrested as Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano fans clash

Police say 60 Crystal Palace fans classified as “known troublemakers” were ordered to leave Leipzig city centre on Tuesday evening while two arrests were made following clashes between supporters of the Eagles and Rayo Vallecano.

Thousands of fans have travelled to Leipzig for the Conference League final between Palace and Spanish side side Vallecano on Wednesday (20:00 BST).

After videos appeared online of rival fans clashing in the German city on Tuesday, Saxon State Police confirmed two arrests were made and all individuals involved in the disturbance were ordered to leave the area.

Two officers, one from the Federal Police and one from the State Police, sustained minor injuries during clashes with both sets of fans.

“At approximately 20:00 (19:00 BST), around 300 Rayo Vallecano fans, considered to be at high risk of hooliganism, were gathered in the city centre,” read a statement from Saxon State Police.

Police say clashes “suddenly broke out” with Palace fans sat on the outdoor terraces of both Leo’s Brasserie and Dhillons.

“Bottles, beer glasses, and pub furniture were thrown at each other. Physical altercations also occurred,” added the police statement.

“Officers on the scene immediately intervened and separated the two groups of fans, checked the identities of more than 300 people, and issued dispersal orders.

“Known troublemakers from Crystal Palace moved to the area of the Penguin Ice Bar and approximately 60 individuals provoked passing Spanish fans and were surrounded by federal police.”

The police operation concluded at approximately 03:15 on Wednesday morning, with more than 320 fans involved.

Local police say the ‘fan fest’ in the market area of Leipzig remained peaceful throughout, with about 2,000 fans from both clubs present.