German police arrested two individuals and ordered 60 Crystal Palace supporters deemed "known troublemakers" to vacate Leipzig's city centre following violent confrontations with Rayo Vallecano fans on Tuesday evening.
The disorder occurred just hours before the two clubs meet in tonight's Conference League final, scheduled for 20:00 BST.
Saxon State Police confirmed that two officers sustained minor injuries during the disturbances, with one from the Federal Police and another from the State Police hurt while attempting to restore order.
Thousands of supporters from both clubs have descended on the German city ahead of what represents Palace's maiden European final.
Black clad mob of fans threw chairs at Crystal Palace fans before German police intervened | X/PDTEEDMUNDOAccording to Saxon State Police, approximately 300 Rayo Vallecano supporters classified as high-risk for hooliganism had assembled in the city centre at around 19:00 BST when violence suddenly erupted.
"Bottles, beer glasses, and pub furniture were thrown at each other. Physical altercations also occurred," the police statement said.
The fighting broke out near two establishments, Leo's Brasserie and Dhillons, where English fans had been seated at outdoor tables.
Social media footage showed a group of roughly 20 men dressed in matching black t-shirts charging towards Palace supporters, with chairs and fists flying before baton-wielding riot officers stepped in.
Police swiftly moved to separate the rival factions and verified the identities of more than 300 individuals.
Thousands of Crystal Palace fans have made the trip to Leipzig to watch the Conference League final
|REUTERS
Following the initial confrontation, a subsequent incident unfolded when Palace supporters identified as troublemakers made their way to the Penguin Ice Bar.
There, around 60 individuals began provoking Spanish fans passing by and were promptly encircled by federal police officers.
Authorities established processing lines to search suspected troublemakers, with approximately 320 fans required to provide identification details before many received orders to leave the area. The operation wrapped up at 03:15 on Wednesday morning.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed that German authorities had detained fans over an alleged breach of peace, a criminal offence under German law, with some subjected to searches and full-body photographs.
🇩🇪💥 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
Despite the overnight disorder, the fan festival in Leipzig's market area remained peaceful throughout, with around 2,000 supporters from both clubs enjoying the atmosphere.
Tonight's fixture marks a historic occasion for Crystal Palace as they contest their first European final.
Victory would cap a remarkable twelve months for the south London club, who have already lifted the FA Cup and Community Shield.
The match also represents manager Oliver Glasner's farewell, with the Austrian taking charge of his final game before departing Selhurst Park. A win would additionally secure Palace qualification for next season's Europa League.