Tension exploded in Leipzig less than 24 hours before Crystal Palace’s biggest European match in modern history.
Thousands of supporters travelled to Germany ahead of Wednesday night’s Conference League final between Palace and Spanish side Rayo Vallecano.
What initially began as a lively atmosphere across the city quickly turned chaotic after violent clashes broke out between rival fans on Tuesday evening.
German police were eventually forced to step in following disturbances involving hundreds of supporters in Leipzig city centre.
According to Saxon State Police (via The BBC), around 300 Rayo Vallecano supporters classified as high-risk hooligans had gathered in the city before trouble suddenly erupted.
The clashes reportedly began near outdoor terraces at Leo’s Brasserie and Dhillons, where Crystal Palace supporters had been sitting.
Police confirmed both groups threw bottles, beer glasses and furniture at each other during the disorder. Physical fights also broke out before officers managed to separate the rival supporters.
Authorities later checked the identities of more than 300 individuals involved in the disturbances. Two arrests were made during the operation.
Police also confirmed two officers suffered minor injuries while trying to control the clashes. The situation then escalated further later in the evening.
According to police statements, around 60 Crystal Palace supporters identified as “known troublemakers” later moved towards the Penguin Ice Bar area and reportedly provoked passing Spanish fans.
Federal police then surrounded the group before ordering them to leave Leipzig city centre entirely. The large-scale police operation continued until around 3:15 am on Wednesday.
Overall, authorities estimated more than 320 supporters became involved across the disturbances.
Despite the trouble, police stressed that Leipzig’s official fan festival remained peaceful throughout the evening.
Around 2,000 supporters from both clubs gathered in the market square area without further serious incidents.
Now, attention finally shifts back towards the football itself as Crystal Palace prepare for one of the biggest matches in the club’s history.
The Eagles will face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on Wednesday night as they attempt to secure European silverware and complete a remarkable season under Oliver Glasner.
🇩🇪💥 The troubles have started in Leipzig, ahead of tomorrow’s Conference League final between Crystal Palace & Rayo Vallecano 👀 pic.twitter.com/n1fVu0G2jl
— 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 (@thecasualultra) May 26, 2026
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