Jun 08, 2023

Prague Police Detain 16 Following Attack by Fiorentina Fans on West Ham Rivals

Prague Morning

Czech police detained 16 suspects after a group of black-clad Fiorentina fans attacked West Ham supporters in a bar in central Prague on Wednesday before the Europa Conference League final, injuring three patrons, authorities said.

Video on Twitter showed fans setting off flares and throwing tables at the bar located off Prague’s Old Town Square.
A police officer was also attacked.

Police said it was an isolated incident and the fans had minor injuries of cuts on their hands.

“Italy fans attacked West Ham fans in a bar on Rytirska street, injuring three,” Czech police said on Twitter. “A police officer was also attacked. We have restricted the personal liberty of 16 people.”

One West Ham fan, who did not want to be named, said “a large group” of Italian fans attacked the bar.

“About eight Italians walked past, swinging bands and chains,” he said. He added: “Five minutes later there was a big group that come down the road and attacked us.”

Outside the Tek’ila Tek’ila bar in the city centre, a burnt-out chair and broken glass were seen littered across the ground.

He said: “Three of our mates (were injured), out of all of this lot there were five. Three of them were our mates. They’ve gone to hospital.”

He added that one of his friends was “quite badly” injured with a “massive cut” on his head.

Prague police have called in several hundred extra officers to patrol the event.

An estimated 20,000 West Ham supporters, many without match tickets, are planning to attend the fan zone in the Czech capital, revelling in their team’s first European final in nearly half a century.