Chelsea fans who were mistreated by Polish police ahead of May’s UEFA Conference League final in Wrocław are calling for action from the football authorities.

Before the game on Wednesday 28th May at the Wrocław Stadium ten Chelsea fans were wrongfully arrested by the local police force and detained without any access to legal representation or allowed contact with relatives over a 24-hour period.

Those fans are now in the process of writing to UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, as well as Chelsea, with a formal complaint. They have also spoken to Football Supporters Europe.

What happened?

At around 4pm on matchday Chelsea supporters were cordoned off and kettled by police in a bar off Wrocław’s main historic square. 

Though there was reported disorder elsewhere in the square the supporters were not involved and were not allowed to leave until extensive dialogue with an English-speaking liaison officer. 

When they were eventually given permission to exit the premises the fans were summarily arrested, had their hands bound with cable ties by masked police, and were taken to local stations without explanation.

“The treatment endured by the Chelsea supporting contingent, who travelled simply to enjoy a football match, was traumatic, dehumanising, and wholly unjust,” the group said.

“All those detained were denied basic rights. They were held without access to translators, legal counsel, medical care, or proper communication. The detentions felt unlawful, and the emotional and psychological impact has been severe for every single person involved.”

Following their arrests, Chelsea supporters were held in police vans with no ventilation, food, or water for hours.

One of the detainees said: “One individual suffered a panic attack and was nearly unconscious before officers permitted minimal bathroom access. 

“When we arrived at the station, detainees were mocked by officers, denied phone calls, and strip-searched in front of mixed-gender officers.”

Another fan said: “We were presented with documents written entirely in Polish and were coerced into signing them without the benefit of any translation or legal explanation whatsoever.

“Although I was presented with my rights in English, I was barely given any time to read them before being taken to my cell. When I asked if I could take the document with me to read it properly, my request was denied, and this form remained unsigned.

“Not once were we given the opportunity to speak with a lawyer, to call our embassy, or to have any of the Polish-language documents explained to us. It was a deliberate and systemic denial of all legal rights.”

The treatment of English football supporters following their teams in club competition overseas has been an issue for many years.

Paris and Istanbul

We have previously assisted supporters and member fan groups around the 2023 Champions League final in Istanbul and the 2022 Champions League final held in Paris.

The conduct of the Wrocław police in this instance is among the most shocking the FSA has heard about in many years.

FSA caseworker Vicki Goodfellow 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.”

No charge, no apology

Those detained Chelsea fans were released more than 24 hours after their arrest without charge – missing the match entirely. Police claim they were misidentified and were released as “witnesses” and no apology from the Polish authorities has been forthcoming.

They said: “We ask that Chelsea treat these matters with the seriousness they deserve and stand firmly against the injustice committed against innocent supporters.

“We hope Chelsea FC will support its fans and take appropriate steps to defend those who did nothing wrong.”

The group are currently pursuing legal advice with a view to push for compensation as well as calling on UEFA and Chelsea to investigate.

Chelsea Supporters’ Trust back their fans and said: “The treatment that some Chelsea supporters received from the Polish authorities in Wrocław before the Conference League Final in May was utterly appalling,

“The treatment of these supporters was unacceptable, and the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust will continue to assist and support those supporters in their ongoing dispute with all authorities involved.”

• By fans, for fans – join the FSA…