Violence erupted in Rotterdam on Wednesday evening when up to 30 Feyenoord supporters launched an assault on Aston Villa fans gathered outside an Irish pub in the Rodezland area.
The confrontation resulted in five arrests being made by local authorities.
Dutch authorities have issued safety guidance to the approximately 3,000 Villa supporters who have travelled for the match.
West Midlands Police's Villa unit shared a warning from their Dutch counterparts, advising fans to remain in groups while exploring Rotterdam.
Violence erupted in Rotterdam on Wednesday evening when up to 30 Feyenoord supporters launched an assault on Aston Villa fans gathered outside an Irish pub in the Rodezland area
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"From the Dutch Police: if you are walking around Rotterdam tonight, there are Feyenoord hooligans in the city in small groups," the statement read.
"Please stay together where possible. If you do see Feyenoord groups walking about. Please don’t film them. This will cause a reaction from them."
The incident saw five locals arrested | XThe incident occurred as thousands of Villa supporters arrived in the Dutch city for Thursday's Europa League fixture.
Footage circulating on social media captured individuals dressed in black storming the area, with the sound of breaking glass audible in the recordings.
Law enforcement quickly intervened, dispersing the attackers and making necessary arrests.
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If you do see Feyenoord groups walking about. Please don't film them. This will cause a reaction from them.
— Aston Villa Police (@WMPVillaFC) October 1, 2025
One witness, whose son captured video footage of the assault, described attempting to find a bar when tensions suddenly escalated into violence.
Beyond the street violence, Feyenoord supporters targeted Villa's team accommodation on Wednesday night.
Fireworks were set off outside the players' hotel in an apparent attempt to disrupt their pre-match rest.
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Small groups of Feyenoord ultras were reported to be moving through Rotterdam's streets on Wednesday evening.
Officers maintained a visible presence in the Oude Haven district, where Villa fans had gathered before Thursday's 9pm kick-off at De Kuip stadium.
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Aston Villa fans were attacked in Rotterdam by Feyenoord fans last night.
— The Away Fans (@theawayfans) October 2, 2025
If you’re a Villa fan out there, please stay safe. 🙏pic.twitter.com/49HDoJEDkM
Rotterdam holds special significance for Villa, who claimed European glory at the city's stadium in 1982 by defeating Bayern Munich to lift the European Cup.
Now, 43 years later, they return seeking to maintain their winning Europa League start following last week's slim victory against Bologna.
Aston Villa scraped past Bologna in their opening Europa League fixture | REUTERSManager Unai Emery acknowledged the tough and fiery environment awaiting his team.
"I know it already. It is always difficult to play away from home and Feyenoord played fantastically in the Champions League last year. Every team that played here struggled," he said during Wednesday's press conference.
"I know, the environment is really supporting them and pushing them and playing like one more player for them.
"We have to try to dominate through our personality, dominate our idea, to impose and try to stop them."
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