Spanish police to 'strengthen security' to avoid violent clash between Manchester United & Athletic Club fans: Report

After violent clashes with Rangers fans, the Spanish police are taking strict measures.

Following violent altercations with Rangers supporters, Spanish police are apparently preparing to “strengthen security” for Manchester United’s match against Athletic Club tomorrow.

El Correo claims that local police are planning a “special operation” for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League semi-final in Bilbao, with a particular emphasis on policing the area leading from Carrera Licenciado Poza Street to Estadio de San Mames. The ‘strengthened’ security will alter their regular operations to avoid any conflict between opposing fans.

There have been many violent clashes between the clubs during such matches. To avoid further fights between fans for the Europa League semi-final game against Manchester United and Bilbao, police are taking every strict measure to prevent fans from indulging in physical fights.

This follows altercations between Rangers and Athletic Club supporters earlier this month that resulted in 13 injuries and six arrests.

However, this time, they cannot let the same thing happen, as home fans often start violent clashes that result in injuries. If it’s severe, then some fans end up losing their lives. In past, there have been many such cases where the fans have lost their lives.

The most severe ‘riots’ occurred following Rangers’ quarter-final elimination, the study continued, and the majority of those culpable were fans without match tickets. To prevent that from happening again, they are stepping up their efforts.

According to the report, only 2,600 of the 2,800 United supporters who are expected to attend the game have tickets, according to British police. Fifty of the 200 people without tickets have been labelled “risk fans.”

They could cause serious problems for everyone else, as their main target could be to start a clash against the home fans. Police will hopefully put all their efforts into thwarting any such serious clash before the game for both clubs.

Following their matchup with the LaLiga team tomorrow, United will host the Basque team at Old Trafford for the return leg on May 8.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.