Police use water cannon on fans after trouble ahead of Chelsea-Betis final

A water cannon was used by police after trouble broke out ahead of Chelsea’s Conference League final against Real Betis in Wroclaw.

Clashes began in the main market square at around 3pm local time between sets of supporters, with police forming a barrier to keep opposing fans apart.

Lower Silesian Police reported that 28 arrests had been made in total in connection with the final, with a small number having come on Tuesday evening after a smaller outbreak of trouble.

Chelsea have been issued 12,000 tickets for Wednesday’s final, though local authorities estimate that as many as 70,000 fans may have travelled.

The problem began with bottles and smoke bombs being thrown by rival supporters, with videos posted online showing police in helmets and riot shields and some armed seemingly with pepper spray.

“The police very quickly took action to separate the two groups and prevent the escalation of aggressive behaviour,” Lower Silesian Police posted on X.

“The officers used technical means in the form of a water cannon and direct coercion. According to the findings so far, no-one was injured.”

A statement released later read: “At this moment, we can confirm the arrest of 28 participants in the incident. No one will escape legal responsibility and the police will react decisively and appropriately to the situation.”

Posting on X, the Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said: “Zero tolerance for violence on our streets! I thank the police for their decisive actions against the hooligans in Chelsea and Betis shirts in Wroclaw. We warn you: if necessary, the police will be even more ruthless today!”