In rather unfortunate turn of events ahead of the much-awaited Europa League final, fans of the Manchester United were attacked at a bar in Gdansk late on Tuesday night. The same has been brought to light by reports emerging from local media, citing local police. Notably, the Red Devils are set to take on Villarreal later on Wednesday for the summit clash of the Europa League football competition.
Although there were no immediate reports of serious injury concerns, the incident has been confirmed in a statement by the club. A video apparently from the incident has also been doing the rounds on internet ever since the news broke out.
“Club staff were assisting a number of United fans in Gdansk last night and today, after an incident where some of our supporters were attacked outside a bar in the city,” United said in a statement.
Watch the video here:
Pewne osoby ze środowiska kibicowskiego (celowo nie użyłem słowa "kibice") Lechii Gdańsk, postanowiły zaatakować restaurację, w której siedzieli kibice Manchesteru United. Brak słów. #UEL #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/pzVvJ4ysDI
— Mateusz Piotrowicz (@footbreak_yt) May 25, 2021
Meanwhile, BBC’s Simon Stone reported that at least three United supporters suffered minor injuries.
Three @ManUtd fans suffered minor injuries after locals attacked them in a bar last night. Club staff assisting those who had stuff stolen. Not aware of any issue involving Utd/Villarreal fans and general atmosphere good natured.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) May 26, 2021
It is further being said that up to 30 attackers may have been involved. The figure has been disclosed after a statement by Gdansk police spokesman Michal Sienkiewicz.
“The whole thing took seconds rather than minutes and then the attackers dispersed,” Sienkiewicz told Polish broadcasters TVN24 on Wednesday.
“We will most probably be publishing the images of persons that were involved in the occurrence. Arrests are just a matter of time,” Sienkiewicz added.
In addition, Gdansk Mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz said on Twitter there was “no room in our city for any form of violence! Dear fans and guests, you are always most welcome in our city.”
Wczoraj doszło do chuligańskiego ataku na kibiców drużyn, które przyjechały na finał Ligi Europy. W @gdansk mieście otwartym i solidarnym, nie ma miejsca na jakąkolwiek przemoc!
Drodzy kibice i goście zawsze jesteście mile widziani i serdecznie witamy Was w naszym mieście!— Aleksandra Dulkiewicz (@Dulkiewicz_A) May 26, 2021