Fireworks let off as hundreds of AZ Alkmaar 'ultras' march through London ahead of Crystal Palace clash
The teams meet tonight in the UEFA Europa Conference League
Fireworks were let off as hundreds of Dutch football fans marched through south London this evening (November 6) ahead of Crystal Palace's UEFA Europa Conference League clash with AZ Alkmaar.
Smoke bombs were also set off by travelling supporters, who waved red, white and black banners and scarves as they embarked on the 45-minute walk from Queens Gardens in Croydon to Selhurst Park.
In video footage posted to X, hordes of fans, escorted by police, can be seen making their way down Park Lane, Croydon, shortly before 6pm. The game kicks off at 8pm.
A fan page for the club's 'ultras' group, Ben-Side Alkmaar, posted to Facebook on Tuesday (November 4), prior to the organised march, stating: "London means time for the parade!
"In two days it's time and we play the away match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Like previous matches in London, we want to arrive in style, and that's why we ask everyone to join the corteo [procession] towards the stadium before 18:00."
Several cops, clad in high-vis, can be seen in the footage flanking the supporters as they chant, with some AZ fans letting off red smoke flares to represent the club's colours.
Around 2,000 away fans are estimated to have made the trip from the Netherlands. Palace sit 19th in the 36-team Conference League table, with Alkmaar in 23rd after two games apiece.