Scary violence has broken out on the streets of Prague ahead of the Europa Conference League final with West Ham fans attacked by a group of Fiorentina ultras. Hammers supporters had been settling into bars and pubs in central Prague when the party atmosphere took a turn for the worse.
Footage showed a large group, all wearing black coats or hoodies and their faces covered, confronting West Ham fans at a pub.
Several members of the group could be seen wielding weapons as they hurled chairs at the group of unsuspecting West Ham supporters.
At one stage, one of the hooligans can be seen throwing what appears to be a lit firework into the crowd of Hammers supporters.
Just seconds later, a loud explosion is heard with the camera then shaking as the violence continued across the street.
Czech police later confirmed that a handful of supporters were injured in the melee.
They said in a statement: “Italy fans attacked West Ham fans in a bar in Rytirska Street, injuring three. One policeman was also attacked.
“We have restricted the personal freedom of 16 people and we are currently investigating the whole incident.”
Sky Sports report that more than 30 people have been arrested as a result of the violence.
Other groups of West Ham fans are said to have heard about the attack and attempted to make their way to the bar.
But riot police were quick on the scene to avoid the situation getting even more out of hand.
A large number of police officers were seen carrying batons and automatic rifles as they were able to detain a number of the offenders.
Police tried to disperse any remaining Fiorentina ultras by using tannoys to order them to leave the area immediately.
Prague police released a photo of the Italian hooligans arrested (Image: TWITTER/ @PolicieCZ) class=”text-description”>
They had earlier issued a statement on social media admitting that keeping things under control with thousands of football fans from both teams was going to be a tall order.
“Thousands of football fans mainly from Italy and England came to watch today’s final match of the European Conference League,” their statement read.
“Even for us, this is an extremely demanding security measure, in which hundreds of police officers will participate.
“Policemen from anti-conflict teams who have experience in communicating with crowds of football supporters, including foreign ones, will play a key role.
“We wish everyone a wonderful sporting experience.”
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