Violent clashes has marred the build-up to 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League Final in Prague as Fiorentina and West Ham fans descended into a mass brawl.
Sources close to the incident seem to exonerate West Ham fans from the melee with reports emerging Fiorentina fans, thought to be ultras, initiated the attack.
They were reportedly dressed in black and were covered up in hoods before launching the assault which spilled off into a full-blown brawl.
The assailants were seemingly prepared for the attack as they darted in group and made their way towards West Ham fans. Glasses were broken and a lot of fireworks fired by the two rival groups.
Scores have been injured as per reports before the Czech Police swung into the action to restore order and calm ahead of the game.
The attack occured near a bar at the center of the City where some West Ham fans were awaiting UEFA Conference League final at the Eden Arena while drinking and having a nice time together at the bar.
As they were chilling, the Fiorentina fans, all dressed in back and covered to the face, arrived the scene with weapons and started assaulting and fighting them.
The aggression by the hooded men sparked mass brawl as West Ham fans immediately retaliated, fighting off the assault. It was all men for themselves.
Eyewitnesses confirmed the hooded men in black first started the attack as they outnumbered West Ham fans at the bar and also brandished weapons.
The crisis was further deepened when other West Ham fans closed up on the scene and joined the fight.
Initially, there was no police presence when the rival groups clashed but the police were later signaled and they arrived the scene promptly, wading into the brawl to quell it and restore order.
The heavily-equiped riot police used tear gas to disperse the two groups, including security dogs before swinging into massive arrests.
A Police report confirms about 16 people have been arrested already in connection with the incident. Investigations is still ongoing and more arrests are expected to be made in the coming days.
The report also confirmed scores of West Ham fans have been injured in the crisis, including one policeman.
“We have restricted the personal freedom of 16 people and we are currently investigating the whole incident,” police statement reads.
The violent clash is the second time, West Ham fans have been attacked in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season.
They suffered attack during their semifinal clash against AZ Alkmaar. A group of AZ Alkmaar fans, believed to be ultras, attacked a group of West Ham player’s family and friends.
Some West Ham player’s had to dive into the melee to protect their families.
Meanwhile, about 25,000 West Ham fans have reportedly touched down the City of Prague ahead of the game. The fans could be seen in crazy scenes, crowding the Eden Arena in anticipation of the clash.
West Ham are aiming for their first European crown in decades. The winner of the competition will secure an automatic ticket to the group stages of UEFA Europa League next season.
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