Clashes of fans in the center of Wrocław. The police used water cannons

Wrocław became an arena of fans’ clashes a few hours before the first whistle at the stadium at ul. Śląska. The first more serious incident occurred on Tuesday at Solny Square. A seemingly calm meeting at tables in the gastronomic gardens of both teams unexpectedly turned into a chaotic fight. As TVN24 reported, “it started innocently – two groups sat in gastronomic gardens near each other. Then someone threw a glass, followed by another.”

The situation quickly got out of control. Chairs, tables, bottles and other items flew in the air. The police had to react immediately. The officers used gas and water cannons to chase the fans.

Wrocław. Clashes of Betis and Chelsea supporters. New police information

A few hours later, around 15, there was another row near the Wrocław town hall. The script was similar – thrown glass, bottles, chairs.

Tomasz Sikora, a spokesman for the magistrate quoted by TVN24, said: “There were also glasses, bottles, chairs and tables were thrown.

It is worth recalling that brawls in Wrocław also occurred on Wednesday evening.

– Today in the Wrocław market police officers intervened in connection with the incident that probably occurred between the supporters of the visitors’ team – handed over the Provincial Police Headquarters in Wrocław.

Detention and destruction

The effect of riots was a total of 28 people. The police conducted activities not only against the participants of the fights, but also those who committed the act of vandalism.

“Today, 28 detained foreign fans have already been arrested after the arrangements on the Wrocław market. The police work very much. Zero tolerance! ” – Tomasz Siemoniak, head of the interior ministry, said on his profile.

“There was an incident consisting in the fact that the European Union flags were taken, their holds were bent. The losses were valued at three thousand zlotys. The perpetrators are in police custody,” says Tomasz Sikora.

The police operate in full readiness since Tuesday. The center of Wrocław is patrolled by dozens of police cars, and in the event of more serious excesses a water cannon was also prepared. The services try to be visible and decisive to reduce the risk of subsequent incidents.

The firm voice of the prime minister

Prime Minister Donald Tusk referred to the situation in the city. In the post in social media, he pointed out that the police would not have mercy for manifestations of violence.

“The police will have zero tolerance for violence on the streets,” wrote the head of government, thanking the officers for their current service. In the rest of the entry he warned: “We warn you, if necessary, the police will be even more ruthless.”

Crowds outside the stadium

According to estimates, about 70,000 fans from England and Spain came to Wrocław. This number significantly exceeds the capacity of the Wrocław stadium, which can accommodate about 45,000 viewers. This means that at least 25,000 people will follow the match outside the stadium – in the fan zones, bars and restaurants.

“It is important because the capacity of the Wrocław stadium is about 45,000. And this means that a large part of the fans of the meeting will follow in the premises scattered in the city,” emphasizes journalist Paweł Popkowski. It also means additional security challenges – especially if the emotions related to the course of the match move to the streets.