Trouble erupted in Leipzig ahead of the Conference League final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano after supporters from both clubs became involved in violent clashes in the city centre.
German police were forced to intervene after groups of fans threw objects, damaged outdoor furniture and fought near bars and restaurants on Tuesday evening.
Palace supporters targeted near Irish bar
Videos shared online appeared to show Crystal Palace fans gathered outside an Irish pub called Dhillons when a large group of men wearing matching black shirts approached them aggressively.
The footage showed chairs, bottles and punches being exchanged before riot police entered the area to separate the groups.
According to Leipzig police, around 300 Rayo Vallecano supporters considered high risk hooligans had gathered in the city before the violence started.
Police officers also came under attack
German authorities confirmed that officers were targeted during the disorder, mainly through bottles and other objects being thrown at police lines.
Although the first confrontation was eventually controlled, tensions quickly rose again later in the evening.
Police stated that another group linked to Crystal Palace supporters later moved toward another bar area, where Spanish fans were also present.
Federal police units surrounded around 60 individuals after further confrontations and provocations between the groups.
Hundreds of fans checked by authorities
During the overnight operation, police established special control areas to identify supporters connected to the disturbances.
More than 300 people were forced to provide identification details while several fans were searched and photographed by officers.
Two people were arrested during the operation and two police officers suffered minor injuries.
Authorities eventually cleared the area in the early hours of the morning after several supporters were ordered to leave the city centre.
Palace prepare for historic European final
Despite the unrest outside the stadium, Crystal Palace are preparing for the biggest European match in the club’s history.
The English side will face Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night in their first ever European final.
A victory would complete an extraordinary year for Palace after already lifting both the FA Cup and the Community Shield during the season.
