A group of Crystal Palace supporters were attacked in Leipzig outside an Irish bar by men in black t‑shirts, prompting riot police intervention and detentions ahead of the Conference League final on May 27
The evening before the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig, video shared widely on social media showed a violent confrontation involving Crystal Palace supporters gathered outside an Irish bar. Clips depict a group of men wearing similar black t‑shirts charging across a central square, throwing chairs and glasses while scuffles break out and bystanders seek cover.
It is not clear from the footage who started the incident, but the melee prompted a swift intervention by uniformed officers.
German police later detained a number of people, with authorities describing the action as a response to an alleged breach of the peace.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said German officers told them the detained individuals were being held under German law for that offence. Measures recorded at the scene included identity checks, searches and full‑body photographs carried out as part of the police control process.
What the footage shows and how events unfolded
Multiple clips show up to two dozen men dressed in dark clothing approaching groups of Palace fans who had been socialising before the match. The recorded scenes capture chairs and glasses being thrown and at least one physical altercation that required officers in full riot gear to separate combatants. Members of the crowd fell and others retreated into surrounding doorways as police pushed forward to contain the violence. Reporters and the Press Association noted the disturbance took place outside an Irish bar in Leipzig’s city centre and that German officers later managed the crowd using containment and detention tactics.
Uncertainty over the attackers’ identity
There remains no confirmed identity for the men in the footage: they could be travelling supporters of Rayo Vallecano, local ultras associated with RB Leipzig or another German group. Observers pointed out that fans of FC Lokomotive Leipzig, a lower‑division side, have been seen in similar attire in the past, which added to the ambiguity. Media reports emphasised that the origins and motives of the group had not been independently verified at the time, leaving questions about coordination and intent unanswered.
Police response and legal context
Authorities detained a number of English nationals and held them on suspicion of causing a public order offence. German police applied standard control measures including detention, searches and documentation of individuals involved — notably the taking of full‑body photographs. Under German legislation the alleged offence was characterised as an alleged breach of the peace, which can carry criminal consequences. The Metropolitan Police relayed these details to UK contacts, confirming that German officers were managing the situation locally.
Immediate consequences for fans and bystanders
Video evidence suggests exchanges of punches as well as chairs being flung across the square, with Palace supporters seen pushing back in places. Some local residents and tourists were forced to move away from the scene for safety. While there were no widely published reports of fatalities, numerous people were knocked down and required assistance. Police cordoned off areas and reportedly held 50–60 individuals during the operation, according to some eyewitness accounts and social footage.
The match and what is at stake on may 27
Crystal Palace were due to play Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena on May 27, with kick‑off scheduled for 8pm BST. For Palace, this was their first ever European final, and a victory would not only deliver the club its first continental trophy but also guarantee qualification for the Europa League next season. The game also marked the final match in charge for manager Oliver Glasner, who has spoken about leaving the club with European football as part of his legacy.
Background and route to the final
Palace’s journey to the final included progress through the knockout stages after finishing 10th in the competition’s group phase, and victories over sides such as Fiorentina and Shakhtar Donetsk en route. The club had also enjoyed domestic success, having won the FA Cup and Community Shield in the recent season. UEFA eligibility rules had earlier placed Palace in the Conference League despite FA Cup success because of multi‑ownership rules tied to former co‑owner John Textor’s interests, which influenced their continental placement.
Fans in the UK were able to watch the final live on TNT Sports 1 with coverage starting around 6.30pm BST, and streaming options included HBO Max and the HBO app. The pre‑match disturbances in Leipzig underlined the wider safety challenges that can accompany high‑profile fixtures and highlighted how quickly celebratory gatherings can turn confrontational when rival groups intersect.
