In the lead-up to the UEFA Cup final, tensions flared in Manchester as supporters of Zenit St. Petersburg and Rangers Football Club congregated in Piccadilly Gardens. The situation escalated as groups of fans clashed, leading to widespread violence and confrontations with law enforcement. The Greater Manchester Police were deployed in significant numbers to manage the chaos, resulting in 39 officers sustaining injuries in the fray, along with one police dog. Skirmishes broke out as supporters from both sides engaged in violent behavior, throwing objects and using aggressive tactics against one another and the police present.

The event unfolded against the backdrop of a highly anticipated football match that attracted thousands of fans, significantly escalating the risk of large-scale disorder. Authorities had to implement extensive crowd control measures to prevent further escalation. As a result of the clashes, 39 arrests were made, underscoring the law enforcement's commitment to addressing the violence. The incident not only drew local attention but also highlighted the issues of hooliganism associated with football culture in Europe, prompting discussions on safety measures at sporting events.

The violence in Piccadilly Gardens was emblematic of the broader challenges faced by host cities during major football tournaments. Enhanced security protocols and policing strategies were examined subsequently to prevent future incidents of a similar nature.