Chelsea and Real Betis supporters CLASH before European final with police using tear gas

Premier League side Chelsea are due to take on Real Betis of Spain in the final of the Conference League, with supporters of both sides in Wroclaw city centre the day before the game

Fans of Chelsea and Real Betis have clashed with police in Wroclaw ahead of the Conference League final. Initial reports point to tear gas being used, with footage of the clashes being shared on social media.

In one video, individuals can be seen throwing objects including chairs in a square in the centre of the city. In other footage, those in police uniform can be spotted heading in the direction of fans – a number of them in Chelsea colours – before spraying what reports say is tear gas.

Earlier in the day, there had been peaceful scenes in Wroclaw square as fans of both sides gathered. However, things appeared to have changed by the evening, with police arriving.

Chelsea and Betis are due to play in the Conference League final in the city on Wednesday. However, some of those watching the scenes unfold on social media voiced their concerns.

Accounts varied over what caused the disturbance. However, there was plenty of criticism levelled at those seen taking part in the goings-on.

“Imagine going to see your team in final, visiting a stunning European city, and decided to fight and vandalise restaurants and cafes?” one social media user wrote. Another simply urged people in the area to “stay safe”.

Another was left saddened by the behaviour of those in a city centre they visited not too long ago. “I was in both those bars just last year. Nice people, one of the best places I’ve been,” they wrote.

Chelsea reached the final by beating Swedish side Djurgardens in the semis, while Betis overcame two-time finalists Fiorentina to book their place in Wednesday’s showpiece. Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Blues boss Enzo Maresca outlined how much the game means to his team.

“The message over the last 48 hours has been, ‘We did something important [qualifying for the Champions League], but if we want to confirm that we are becoming an important club again, we need to show the desire to win the game and the trophy’,” Maresca said.

‘So it’s job done [in the Premier League], fantastic, and we’re happy. But tomorrow is a different game, a final, and we want to win at any cost.

“Every day we have something to prove, no doubt. What we have done [qualifying for the Champions League] is done. Now we have to prove ourselves again tomorrow. We have played many games this season in this competition, now we have just one more.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.