Police officer dies as violence mars Bilbao v Spartak clash

February 23, 2018 - 12:00
Basque autonomous police officers break up a group of Athletic Bilbao fans outside the San Mames stadium before the Europa League Round of 32 second leg football match between Athletic Club Bilbao and FC Spartak Moscow. AFP Photo
Viet Nam News

Football

MADRID — A Basque police officer died on Thursday as security forces clashed with fans of Russian club Spartak Moscow in the Spanish city of Bilbao where a Europa League match was taking place.

"We can confirm that a Basque policeman died on Thursday," said a press spokesman for the Ertzaintza regional police.

However, he refused to comment on Spanish media speculation that he had died as a result of the fighting which took place before the game.

He added that an autopsy would have to be performed before they were in a position to comment on the cause of death.

More than 500 police officers had been deployed for the high-risk return leg of the tie.

Earlier in the evening, police made a number of arrests as the violence and injuries escalated.

"Five people have been arrested. We do not know if they are all supporters of Spartak, but many of them are Russians," a spokesman for Ertzaintza said.

The trouble began as Spartak ultras arrived at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao for the game.

Some lit and threw smoke bombs and garbage cans before police charged at them.

Spartak won the match 2-1, but Bilbao went through 4-3 on aggregate. — AFP

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