In Madrid, tensions escalated on Wednesday night when ultras from Rayo Vallecano and Polish club Lech Poznan clashed on the streets. This confrontation occurred just ahead of their much-anticipated UEFA Conference League match set for Thursday at 21:00 CEST.
Details of the Clash
The conflict primarily involved the ultra groups representing both teams. Approximately 1,000 fans from Lech Poznan are expected to travel for the match. Among them is the controversial group Kolejorz, which has faced accusations of fascism, homophobia, anti-Semitism, and racism.
- Estimated attendance of Lech Poznan fans: 1,000
- Expected number of ticketless fans: 250
- Approximate people involved in the clash: 400
The opposing Rayo Vallecano fan group, known as the Bukaneros, is recognized for its left-wing ideology. The altercation took place near the Buenos Aires metro station, just a short distance from the Vallecas stadium, and appears to have been pre-arranged.
Police Response
Police intervened swiftly, breaking up the fighting that lasted about 10 minutes. The intervention resulted in one arrest and one reported injury, both linked to the Bukaneros. Significantly, the police presence for the upcoming match is set to be substantial, with around 400 officers deployed in the area to ensure safety before and after the event.
Social Media Impact and Criticism
The altercation drew attention to concerns about public safety, as local police syndicate JUPOL criticized government delegate Francisco Martin for inadequate planning. The details of the planned fight had been circulated on social media, prompting calls for better preparation.
Lech Poznan’s Controversial Video
In the lead-up to the game, Lech Poznan conducted a training session at Vallecas. However, they released a behind-the-scenes video that quickly turned controversial. Staff in the video can be heard mocking the stadium’s facilities, particularly regarding inadequate lighting. This portrayal has not been well received in Madrid, fueling tensions further.
Current Season Performance
Both teams have had mixed results in their opening matches. Rayo Vallecano has gathered four points from their two games, while Lech Poznan has achieved one victory and one defeat. The stakes for the upcoming Conference League match are high, and the events leading up to it have intensified anticipation.
