Aston Villa’s first European away trip of the season has been overshadowed by violence in Rotterdam, where clashes between supporters broke out just hours before their Europa League clash with Feyenoord. What should have been a celebratory occasion for Villa fans quickly turned sour after reports of fighting and disturbances surfaced outside a popular pub in the Dutch city.
Clashes ahead of Europa League fixture
Local reports confirmed that fans from both Feyenoord and Aston Villa were involved in altercations before kick-off at De Kuip. According to Dutch media, five arrests were made following the incident, which unfolded outside an Irish bar. Videos circulated on social media, showing chaotic scenes as tensions flared in the build-up to the high-profile Group Stage encounter.
One Villa supporter in Rotterdam shared his perspective on X, saying: “Me and my son were looking for a bar and got to this bar but we didn't try to go in as it looked a bit tense then it kicked off. Here is my son's video.”
Disturbances extend to Villa’s team hotel
The trouble was not limited to the streets. Reports from Dutch outlet AD revealed that fireworks were set off outside Aston Villa’s team hotel late on Wednesday night, allegedly in an attempt to disrupt the Premier League side’s preparations ahead of Thursday’s showdown.
The incidents have cast a shadow over what was expected to be a thrilling European contest, with Feyenoord eager to bounce back from their opening group defeat against Braga, while Unai Emery’s side sought to continue their winning run after recent victories over Bologna and Fulham.
Feyenoord’s strong start, Villa’s test ahead
Despite their Europa League setback last week, Feyenoord have impressed domestically, winning five of their opening seven fixtures this season. Their home form and passionate support at De Kuip pose a formidable challenge for visiting sides, something Emery acknowledged in his pre-match press conference.
“I know it. Of course, they [the players] know, as well, the difficulties we will face tomorrow,” Emery said. “Firstly, because to play away, always is difficult. Secondly, because Europa League is very, very difficult.
“Thirdly, because Feyenoord, they performed fantastic last year in Champions League. Every team they were playing here, they were struggling. And I know, the environment is really supporting them and pushing them and playing like one more player for them.
“And we have to try to dominate through our personality, dominate our idea, to impose and try to stop them tactically and individually. Be focused, 90 minutes, and respecting them like the first idea we have and the first detail we want to get tomorrow, respect them, try to play with our personality.”
High-stakes night in Rotterdam
As Villa prepared to take the pitch under testing circumstances, the focus shifted from the off-field trouble to what promised to be a fiercely contested clash in Group Stage play. For Unai Emery and his men, the challenge was not just about overcoming a strong Feyenoord side but also staying mentally sharp after a turbulent build-up in Rotterdam.