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Crystal Palace supporters travelling for one of the biggest matches in the club's history were caught up in troubling scenes ahead of the UEFA Conference League final at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
What should have been an occasion focused entirely on anticipation and celebration instead saw tensions erupt in the city centre, with footage emerging online appearing to show supporters involved in clashes on the eve of the final.
Watch as Crystal Palace fans clash with rival supporters in Leipzig
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show Eagles supporters gathered outside a bar in Leipzig on Tuesday evening before being approached by a large, organised group dressed predominantly in black clothing.
The footage reportedly shows chairs and glasses being thrown as the group charged towards Palace supporters before police officers in riot gear intervened.
It remains unclear whether those involved were supporters of Rayo Vallecano or local football ultras, although reports suggested similarities with groups associated with local side FC Lokomotive Leipzig.
Some Palace supporters appeared to throw chairs back during the disorder before police moved in to separate those involved.
Additional footage showed members of the public moving away from the area as disturbances continued, while authorities later surrounded a group believed to have initiated the trouble.
German police are also understood to have established cordons around parts of the city centre, with reports suggesting dozens of individuals were detained for several hours over alleged breaches of the peace and subjected to identification checks.
The disorder came ahead of a historic occasion for both clubs, with Palace and Vallecano preparing to compete for their first European trophy.
FGG says: Not the build-up anyone wants to see before historic night for Palace
European finals should be remembered for atmosphere, anticipation and supporters creating memorable moments around a city.
Scenes involving violence and disorder inevitably shift attention away from the football itself and towards incidents nobody wants associated with major occasions.
With emotions naturally high before a final of this significance, authorities will now be hoping the focus quickly returns to the match itself and that the vast majority of supporters can enjoy the occasion safely.
For Palace especially, a historic night on the pitch should be the story people remember, not events taking place away from it.