Violent clashes involving Crystal Palace fans in Strasbourg
Violent scenes erupted in Strasbourg this evening as a minority of Crystal Palace supporters engaged in disorder before their Europa Conference League fixture, reports BritPanorama.
The disturbance at Place du Marche Gayot saw café furniture launched through the air and glass scattered across cobblestones after windows were shattered. Video footage circulating on social media captured the shocking incidents, with a small group of troublemakers exchanging blows while other fans watched in disbelief.
The confrontation reportedly involved opposing groups of supporters, prompting nearby establishments to close their doors immediately. The chaos left overturned chairs strewn across the square as French authorities moved swiftly to contain the situation.
Riot police were deployed to restore order, marshalling the disruptive supporters on a lengthy trek to the stadium. The troublemakers, who had been scheduled to travel by tram, were instead compelled to walk the hour-long route under heavy police escort. Gendarmes bearing riot shields flanked the group while police vans followed behind, creating a stop-start procession through Strasbourg’s streets.
This enforced march served as punishment for their earlier misconduct. Meanwhile, other Palace fans carrying flags and scarves made their own way to the venue as sirens echoed through the French city. The Europa Conference League encounter proceeded as scheduled at 8pm despite the pre-match disturbances.
Crystal Palace entered the fixture occupying 11th place in the league phase standings, following their recent victory over AZ Alkmaar. A triumph in Strasbourg would potentially elevate the Eagles into the automatic qualification positions for the knockout stages. Their French hosts currently hold seventh place after three matches in the competition, making the stakes significant for both sides as they pursue progression in Europe’s third-tier tournament.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner offered his pre-match thoughts on the challenge ahead, stating, “Strasbourg are a very good team, and not just in the Conference League but in Ligue 1, they’ve done very well.” He highlighted their opponents’ qualities: “I was really impressed when we prepared for this game, about the way they are playing: very intense, very quick players, with a lot of confidence, always attacking. It will be a great challenge.”
Glasner also acknowledged the reunion with Ben Chilwell, the defender who helped Palace secure FA Cup glory while on loan last season before joining Strasbourg temporarily. “He’s a fantastic player, and an even better person,” Glasner remarked.
As the echoes of chaos linger in the air, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between football passion and public order. In venues where enthusiasm meets unrest, the beautiful game can sometimes reveal its darker side, underscoring the complex relationship between supporters, clubs, and society at large.
