Clashes in Madrid as Marseille fans face police before Real Madrid match

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Photo:Reuters

Madrid witnessed tense scenes on Tuesday as fans of the French football club Olympique de Marseille clashed with Spanish police ahead of their Champions League match against Real Madrid.

The incidents happened near the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the Spanish capital. Thousands of Marseille supporters had gathered outside the stadium, waiting for the gates to open. As they tried to move from their designated waiting areas, police in riot gear and mounted officers on horses stepped in. Using batons, they pushed the fans back to control the situation.

Fortunately, the situation did not escalate further. After a short confrontation, the fans returned to their places, and all of them were allowed to enter the stadium in time for the match.

Authorities had prepared for a large crowd, as several thousand French supporters were expected. The heavy police presence was planned in advance to ensure safety and prevent any disruption during the game.

In addition to the crowd control, stadium security enforced a strict rule regarding flags. Supporters were not allowed to enter the stadium with Palestinian flags. This policy was already in place, especially after recent pro-Palestinian protests disrupted major events in Spain, including a cycling race known as the Vuelta. Fans who tried to bring the flags were asked to hand them over at the entrance.

The ban on these flags follows the disruption of several stages of the three-week-long Vuelta cycling race. In that event, protesters demanded the removal of Team Israel Premier Tech from the competition. Some of these demonstrators even threw barriers onto the race course and clashed with police, causing delays in the event.

The Champions League match, however, went ahead without further issues once the fans entered the stadium. The authorities’ swift action ensured that the game could continue smoothly, avoiding major disruptions.

Overall, the incident highlighted the challenges of managing large groups of passionate football fans in major cities. With thousands of supporters traveling from different countries, ensuring both safety and order remains a top priority for local authorities.

Marseille fans, Real Madrid, Champions League