Chelsea fans are calling on football officials to do something after Polish police arrested ten fans before the UEFA Europa Conference League final in Wrocław on May 28, 2025. Around 4 p.m., police kettled fans in a bar near Wrocław’s historic Market Square, and they were not allowed to leave.
When the police finally let them go, they were suddenly arrested. Masked police tied their hands and took them to a station without telling them why or giving them access to lawyers, translators, or medical care. The detainees had to spend more than 24 hours in jail without being able to talk to family or lawyers.
The fans’ official statement called the experience “traumatic, dehumanizing, and completely unfair,” citing the denial of fundamental rights and the severe emotional and psychological effects it had on them. While they were in detention, they were kept in police vans that didn’t have any ventilation or basic needs.
One fan said that they almost fainted from panic before being allowed to use the bathroom; when they got to the station, officers made fun of them, denied them phone calls, and strip-searched them in front of officers of both sexes. Another supporter said they were forced to sign papers that were all in Polish, with no translations or legal help.
The authorities called them “witnesses” and let them go after more than a day in jail without charging them. They missed the whole final, which Chelsea won. Notably, the Polish authorities have not apologized.
The fans who were hurt are now getting ready to file formal complaints with UEFA’s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body and Chelsea FC. They are also talking to Football Supporters Europe, the Football Supporters’ Association, and getting legal advice.
Chelsea Fans Urge for Action in “Shocking” Case
Chelsea fans want more than just formal complaints. They want UEFA and their club to take strong action in response to what the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) calls “among the most shocking” cases the organization has seen in a while.
Vicki Goodfellow, an FSA caseworker, said:
“A cup final should be the highlight of a supporter’s season and no-one should have to face treatment like this in any host city. The conduct of the Polish police in this case is shocking and UEFA must take this complaint seriously.
“We applaud the Chelsea fans for coming forward with their story. We’d always encourage supporters who have bad experiences at the match to come to us. You don’t have to go it alone, help and support is available.”
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust also spoke out in support, saying that the police behavior was “completely unacceptable” and promising to keep helping fans as they deal with their complaint and any legal issues that may arise.
