Czech police warn of possible fan clashes in Pilsen and other cities

Czech police are on high alert, warning of potential violent clashes between football fans from Serbia, Greece, Scotland, and Croatia. The heightened security measures are in place ahead of crucial return matches in the Europa League and Conference League playoffs.

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We have received information from foreign colleagues that there is a risk of clashes between these groups of foreign fans due to long-standing hatred. We are constantly monitoring the situation.

Authorities have received intelligence from international counterparts indicating a risk of conflict stemming from long-standing animosities between these fan groups. "We have received information from foreign colleagues that there is a risk of clashes between these groups of foreign fans due to long-standing hatred," the Czech police stated on the X platform (formerly Twitter).

Extraordinary measures have been implemented, with police reinforcements brought in from other regions to manage the situation. The focus is primarily on ensuring order before and after the games in Hradec Kralove, Jablonec, and Pilsen. In Pilsen, where Red Star Belgrade is set to play Viktoria Plzeň, Czech police are receiving assistance from German law enforcement.

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Today, we are primarily concentrating on ensuring order before and after the matches in Hradec Kralove, Jablonec, and Pilsen. We have deployed extraordinarily large forces and resources, and we are also being helped by other regions.

Police have also reminded fans that pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited, both inside and outside the stadiums. Furthermore, concealing one's face may also be considered illegal. Special teams are prepared to handle conflicts and disperse demonstrations, as police have been monitoring the movements of various fan groups since Wednesday.

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We emphasize that pyrotechnics are forbidden, both entering the stadium, in the stadium, and during departure. Fans must not forget that hiding their faces can also be illegal.