On Tuesday before the European Conference League final between Real Betis and Chelsea, which will take place at the Wroclaw Stadium, the city became an arena of violent incidents involving fans of both teams. About 70,000 fans arrived on the streets of Lower Silesia, many of whom do not have tickets for the match – which already caused serious public policy disturbances on the first day.
First start: Food gardens turned into a battlefield
On Tuesday afternoon in Solny Square in Wrocław, there was the first serious incident. As reported by writer Paweł Popkowski, it all started with common glances and verbal provocations of 2 groups of fans sitting in neighboring catering gardens. It was adequate to throw a glass to make the escalation flash: bottles, glasses appeared in the air, and yet chairs and tables.
At the scene, police intervened, which had to usage teardrop gas to separate the feudal groups. The presence of officers in the city centre was crucial on Tuesday, but this did not prevent another incidental – this time closer to Wroclaw City Hall.
Two minutes of chaos that ran around the network
According to Tomasz Sikora, spokesperson for the Wrocław Magistrate, the most aggressive part of the group is marginal 30 people from the full 25,000 fans arrived 1 team. Recordings made available on social media show that the full fight lasted no longer than 2 minutes – long adequate to origin crucial harm and the request for police intervention.
Detention and destruction: the flag of the European Union besides for the intent of aggression
As a consequence of Tuesday's raids, six people were detained. According to Tomasz Sikora, 1 of the incidents was breaking the flags of the European Union and destroying their masts, which has been valued at losses of PLN 3 thousand. The perpetrators were incarcerated in police custody to explain.
Safety first: Police with water cannons
Wednesday, hours before the final, Wrocław resembles a besieged city. Police put extra forces on the streets, including water cannons. The city and government authorities stress that the services will respond decisively to any effort to disrupt the order.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in social media, announced a policy of "zero tolerance for street violence". The head of government's entry besides included words of appreciation for the police's actions so far:
"We inform you, if necessary, the police will be even more ruthless." Tusk wrote.
Ticketless fans – city challenge
The stadium in Wrocław can accommodate about 45,000 viewers, while in town came until 70,000 fans from Spain and England. This means that respective tens of thousands of people will follow the match in urban space – in pubs, bars and even on the streets. It's a immense challenge for law enforcement.
Legal context and public security
Events in Wrocław should be judged not only by the prism of sport, but besides by the applicable laws. Decision of the ultimate Court of 28 May 2010 Recalls that participation in the fugitive area during which the hooligan acts happen may be qualified as an offence under Article 254(1) of the Criminal Code.
In turn European Court of Human Rights in the judgement in the case Dink v Turkey (Compensation No 2668/07) stressed that the state has an work to guarantee effective protection of citizens from violence, including erstwhile it is sourced by public communities.
Summary
Wrocław has faced 1 of the biggest organizational and organisational challenges of fresh years. Although most fans came only to cheer their teams, a tiny group of pseudo-kibs led to clashes that could have ended with much more serious consequences. It's gonna be a large night tonight. If the cleaning services keep discipline – the final can enroll in past not only as a football vacation but besides as a success of the service in maintaining public order.
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Wrocław: The clashes, detentions and mobilization of services before the final of the European Conference League
