One day after their Copa del Rey exit, Atletico Madrid have spoken out about the incidents surrounding the game at Athletic Bilbao – and condemned the Basque club’s fan behavior in the strongest possible terms.
The day after the 3-0 defeat in Bilbao, which shattered Atletico’s dream of a place in the Copa del Rey final, the Rojiblancos’ managers were preoccupied with the events surrounding the game. Atletico wrote of “serious security breaches”, “chaotic” conditions and, in particular, denounced the “unacceptable behavior of some radical Athletic fans”.
Among other things, the latter ensured that the Atletico bus was forced to “change its route to the stadium and the team remained on the bus for 35 minutes”. Although the team hotel was only 500 meters from the San Mames.
In the days leading up to the clash, Atletico had already informed their opponents and the local police “of the need to adequately protect both the first team and, in particular, our members who had purchased tickets for the game”. This had not been taken into account.
In particular, Atletico strongly condemn the “serious attack” on a group of fans in a bar near the stadium. One Atleti fan was seriously injured. “Unfortunately, this incident was not an isolated one, as groups of radical fans have been intimidating and threatening a large number of Atletico Madrid supporters throughout the day – even entering bars and restaurants to identify and violently intimidate them,” criticized the current fourth-placed team in La Liga.
Hunting scenes lead to “panicked” reactions
The hunting scenes led to “panicked” reactions, “especially at the entrance of the visiting fans, where there were also children and families”. Bilbao and the police had not responded to Atletico’s request to increase security measures around the stadium, even on the day of the match.
Atletico then drew the first consequences: “Given the seriousness of yesterday’s incidents, which were provoked by a significant number of Athletic Club supporters, as can be seen in the numerous images and videos, and in order to avoid incidents at the La Liga match at the Cívitas Metropolitano on the weekend of April 26 and 27, we are unfortunately forced to exceptionally not sell tickets to away fans for this match. This measure was agreed this morning with the National Police and La Liga and Athletic Club have been duly informed.”
Atletico will refund the tickets of those fans who were unable to enter the stadium before kick-off and some of whom were unable to take their seats until half-time. Finally, it was important for the club to point out that none of the incidents “in connection with yesterday’s match should overshadow Athletic Club’s victory”. Atletico congratulated Bilbao on reaching the national cup final, where they will face RCD Mallorca.
