Violent Clashes Break Out in Wroclaw Between Chelsea and Real Betis Fans Ahead of Conference League Final

Police forces in Wroclaw were called into urgent action after a street clash erupted between Chelsea and Real Betis supporters just hours before the UEFA Conference League final.

The altercation unfolded in the city’s Solny Square, specifically around the Kombinat and Guinness pubs, where groups of rival fans began hurling chairs and various objects at each other. Video footage circulated online shows the chaotic confrontation as local police attempted to regain control.

In additional footage, some Betis fans are seen fleeing from the commotion, retreating from the violence while projectiles continued to be thrown. Polish riot police, seen in full protective gear, responded to the disturbance by deploying tear gas toward Chelsea supporters in an effort to break up the groups.

A statement released by the Provincial Police Headquarters in Wroclaw assured the public that the incident was contained.
“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.

Authorities emphasized that significant resources had been deployed in anticipation of fan activity:
“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."

They also confirmed the presence of emergency responders nearby:
“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.”

Local media had previously warned Wroclaw residents to prepare for a massive influx of visitors, with around 70,000 fans reportedly descending on the city — despite the Tarczyński Arena holding only 45,000 spectators. Reports noted that the western districts of the city would be most impacted, with road closures and traffic restrictions in place. Residents were advised to avoid car travel and rely on public transport throughout the event.

Law enforcement made a visible effort to prevent further escalation. Officers equipped with batons and shields established barricades between opposing groups of fans and attempted to disperse crowds as tensions rose. Images from the scene show police spraying a substance — believed to be pepper spray — toward Chelsea fans attempting to retreat from the area.

Police remain on high alert, with a large presence stationed in key areas throughout Wroclaw.
“Please immediately notify the nearby Police or City Guard patrol of any incident, or call the emergency number 112. We are at your disposal and our priority is to ensure safety,” urged Senior Warrant Officer Łukasz Dutkowiak.

“Foot patrols, monitoring from drones and helicopters, intensified activities on the streets and in key locations,” the police statement added, detailing their preparedness. “Firefighters from the Municipal Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Wrocław and rescuers are also ready to respond immediately, especially in the area of the stadium and all fan zones.”

The violent scenes are the latest in a series of recent disturbances linked to major European fixtures. Just weeks earlier, similar unrest was reported in Paris during the Champions League semi-final between PSG and Arsenal. Riot police were seen engaging with fans outside the Parc des Princes, using tear gas to break up crowds. In that incident, traveling Arsenal supporters had been warned to avoid certain areas of the city.

UEFA is said to be closely monitoring the situation in Wroclaw. No official word has been given yet on whether arrests were made or injuries sustained during the fan clashes. Investigations by local police are ongoing.

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