SHOCK footage shows Fiorentina ultras attacking West Ham fans with fireworks and metal bars at a pub in Prague.
Black-clad hooligans in hoodies and masks can be seen hurling chairs and flares toward a pub full of Irons fans.
Some 20,000 West Ham fans are in Prague for the Europa Conference League final which kicks off at Slavia Prague’s Eden Arena at 9pm local time.
Hammers supporters had been enjoying the sunshine as the club seeks to secure its first major trophy for 43 years.
But the scenes turn nasty when a group of approximately 50 Italian hooligans began attacking the pub – which had a banner outside that read: “Forever Blowing Bubbles”.
Footage from multiple angles shows the gang descending on the bar, hurling chairs, throwing flares and fireworks, and wielding clubs and metal bars.
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And a loud explosion can be heard as a bright flash is seen just outside the bar amongst a group of West Ham fans.
Smoke can be seen rising from the pub, with the street reportedly left covered in broken glass.
Czech police in riot gear could be seen chasing down groups of hooligans as they attempted to flee.
One eyewitness told The Sun: “The mob attacked a couple of bars before police clocked on to them.
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“A load of undercovers got hold of them after they tried to attack another one.
“They all tried to attack a group of West Ham, but they were quickly floored by the police.
“The ultras didn’t want to stay and fight anyone. It was just a load of scumbags in black throwing chairs.”
He added: “The atmosphere has been peaceful all day and both sets of fans have got on. Fiorentina, like many European clubs, has that hardcore element and this is what we’ve seen.”
The ultras didn’t want to stay and fight anyone. It was just a load of scumbags in black throwing chairs.
Witness
Cops confirmed they arrested 16 Italian fans after the attack on the pub in Rytířská Street.
Journalism student Alfie Mulligan tweeted: “Just been stood in a lovely bar in Prague … 50+ Fiorentina fans come round the corner shooting fireworks, armed with batons … but looks like a war hospital.
“Completely unprovoked. Children in the bar. I got hit by a chair. This isn’t what the final was about.”
He added: “Shambolic scenes from the Fiorentina support. I’ve never been so scared in my life.
“Italian ultras. More like cowards. Completely unprovoked.”
In a statement, Czech cops said: “Italy fans attacked West Ham fans in a bar in Rytířská Street, injuring three.
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“One policeman was also attacked.
“We have restricted the personal freedom of 16 people and we are currently investigating the whole incident.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
