Violent clashes erupted between Real Betis and Chelsea fans in Wroclaw, Poland, just hours before the UEFA Conference League final, casting a shadow over the build-up to the much-anticipated match.
Tensions flared in the city’s main square on Wednesday afternoon, prompting local police to step in and disperse the unruly crowds.
Water cannons were deployed as authorities struggled to regain control ahead of the 8pm BST kick-off at Stadion Wroclaw.
The unrest, which broke out roughly five hours before the final, saw officers in full riot gear forming a human barricade between both sets of supporters. Sirens echoed through the heart of the city as chaos unfolded.
The situation quickly turned violent, with bottles and chairs hurled through the air. In one particularly disturbing incident, a Chelsea fan was left bloodied after being assaulted by a Betis supporter armed with a belt.
The disturbing scenes came in stark contrast to the peaceful atmosphere the night before, when fans from both clubs were seen mixing freely across Wroclaw.
Real Betis fans have turned out in large numbers to support their team in what marks their first-ever appearance in a European final.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are aiming to end Enzo Maresca’s debut season on a high, having already secured Champions League qualification with a recent victory over Nottingham Forest.