clashes Erupt Between Spanish Police and Marseille fans⁤ Ahead of Champions League Match

MADRID – Spanish police engaged with a group of Marseille supporters on Tuesday evening prior to the Champions League ‍fixture between Olympique de Marseille and Real Madrid at the santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The incident occurred as fans where assembling outside the stadium grounds.

Authorities in riot gear,including ‌officers on horseback,deployed batons to⁢ disperse the French fans. Reports indicate the confrontation stemmed from an attempt by supporters to move beyond the designated area allocated for Marseille fans while awaiting entry to the​ stadium. Approximately several thousand Marseille supporters were anticipated to attend the match.

Police quickly‍ brought the situation under control, ensuring fans were able⁤ to enter the ​stadium in time for the kickoff. No serious injuries were​ promptly reported.

Beyond the fan clashes, security personnel at⁤ the Bernabéu Stadium enforced a ‌pre-existing⁢ policy prohibiting the ⁤entry of Palestinian flags. This decision was made ‌independently of, but coincided ​with, recent pro-Palestinian protests that have disrupted the ongoing Vuelta a España cycling race.

Stadium staff ‍confiscated Palestinian flags‌ from fans attempting to bring them​ into the venue.​ The policy predates the heightened attention brought by the protests surrounding‍ the Vuelta, which have seen demonstrators call for the exclusion of the Israel Premier Tech cycling team from the grand Tour event.

The Vuelta a España has experienced meaningful disruption over the weekend, with protesters throwing barriers onto the road ⁤and clashing with police on ‌Sunday in an attempt⁤ to halt the completion of a stage.⁤ Demonstrators have specifically targeted the Israel Premier Tech team, demanding their removal from the race.

The incidents highlight increased security concerns surrounding ⁣major sporting ⁤events ‍amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and demonstrate a firm stance by Spanish authorities regarding‍ the display of political symbols at venues.