Spanish media have condemned Manchester United and Tottenham supporters for causing disorder in Bilbao ahead of the Europa League final, which pits the two Premier League clubs against each other on Wednesday night.
Despite San Mamés Stadium’s capacity of 52,114, around 80,000 fans reportedly descended on the city, with both clubs allocated just 15,000 tickets each. Thousands of ticketless fans still flocked to Bilbao, leading to overcrowded streets and escalating tensions.
Spanish news agency EFE reported that some fans were “already losing control” in the city centre, becoming “difficult to control” despite the deployment of 2,000 police officers. Supporters were seen climbing on traffic lights and other urban fixtures, with Tottenham fans reportedly destroying two traffic lights and raising them “like trophies” in the Pozas area near the stadium.
Clashes broke out between fans in different parts of the city. At Plaza Nueva, where Manchester United fans gathered, several supporters were involved in a fight that required intervention from eight police officers. Tottenham fans were also accused of showering rival fans with beer, while one fan was photographed vomiting in the street amid the chaotic scenes.
Similar disturbances were reported in San Sebastian, about 48 miles from Bilbao, where rival fans clashed in the Old Town around 9:20 pm local time. The altercation involved shouting, insults, punches, and the throwing of objects, with tables overturned before police arrived. An ambulance was called but no serious injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made so far.
The Basque Government had activated a “protection plan” ahead of the final, focusing on monitoring and responding to potential emergencies. A police spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday morning that no serious incidents or arrests had occurred despite the clashes.
The final carries significant stakes for both clubs, who have endured disappointing Premier League seasons, currently sitting 16th (Tottenham) and 17th (Manchester United) in the table. Winning the Europa League would not only end Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought but also secure Champions League qualification for the next season, reportedly worth around £100 million.
With thousands of fans flooding Bilbao, authorities remain on high alert as both sets of supporters hope their teams can salvage their seasons with European glory.
