Ugly scenes took place in Wroclaw, Poland, on Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon as Chelsea and Real Betis supporters clashed in the streets ahead of the Europa Conference League final.
Fans were filmed throwing chairs and beer bottles at one another as riot police were forced to intervene to stop the skirmishes.
These are not the kind of scenes wanted ahead of an anticipated final.
Chelsea Betis fans fight in Wroclaw
Chelsea and Betis fans CLASH in explosive scenes! pic.twitter.com/Y9xWdjPFhq
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) May 28, 2025
Chelsea and Real Betis fans clashing in Wroclaw last night... pic.twitter.com/RbGypWFWQA
— Football Fights (@footbalIfights) May 28, 2025
Betis (left) and Chelsea (right) fans brawling and throwing chairs at one another last night... pic.twitter.com/nYYMvmy1WR
— Football Fights (@footbalIfights) May 28, 2025
Riot police FORCED to intervene as Chelsea and Betis fans clash pic.twitter.com/ngoaCytF8X
— The Sun - Chelsea (@SunChelsea) May 28, 2025
This isn’t the first time that supporters of two clubs have clashed in the streets prior to a European final. It's becoming a regular occurrence these days with similar scenes between Manchester United and Tottenham this year.
Two years ago nearly identical incidents took place between Eintracht Frankfurt fans and Rangers supporters in Seville.
What is it about European finals that fans feel the need to play a game of dodgeball with chairs before kickoff?
It makes you wonder if local shop and pub owners dread the news that their city is hosting a final. While they get an influx of customers, there’s a high chance those same customers are going to ruin your store and throw your chairs two blocks down the street.
The Polish Prime Minister took to social media and condemned the violence from the visiting fans.
"Zero tolerance for violence on our streets!," Donald Tusk said.
"I thank the police for their decisive actions against the hooligans in Chelsea and Betis shirts in Wroclaw. We warn you: if necessary, the police will be even more ruthless today!"
Chelsea and Real Betis will face off at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
