The images of joy of the West Ham players, after their victory against Fiorentina (2-1), contrast with the events that accompanied the evening. Incidents between fans of the two clubs on the sidelines of Wednesday night's Europa League Conference final in Prague have led to 23 arrests, according to a new report released Thursday by Czech police.
Twenty-two Italians and one Englishman were arrested, Prague police spokesman Jan Rybansky told AFP.
Crazy clashes between Fiorentina Ultras and West Ham fans in Prague before the Conference League final. 😰
🎥 @RobHarris pic.twitter.com/CI2PXLXoRZ
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) June 7, 2023
The first incidents occurred before the final in central Prague, where 17 Italian fans were arrested after assaulting West Ham fans in a bar. One of them is suspected of violence against a representative of the security forces, two others of rebellion.
Police later released a photograph of the Italian fans lying face down with their hands tied behind their backs. Three West Ham supporters were lightly injured in the attack.
The other incidents occurred after the match. An Englishman was arrested for using pyrotechnic devices in the Old Town Square in the historic centre of the Czech capital, where Hammers fans gathered to celebrate their victory.
Incidents also occurred inside the Eden Arena, where the final was taking place. Cups and other projectiles were thrown from West Ham's spectators' stands; Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi hit a skull as he was about to hit a corner, had to have a bandage put on to continue the match.
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