Football fans clashed with riot police ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Marseille in Madrid on Tuesday evening
Riot police clashed with football fans ahead of a Champions League match on Tuesday evening.
Real Madrid welcomed Marseille to the Spanish capital for the opening round of matches when ugly scenes erupted ahead of kick-off. Videos, shared on social media, show the moment that Marseille ultras could be seen coming to blows with the police.
Police, armed with batons, hit out at a couple of the Marseille supporters – causing the masses to rush back, and in one clip, one man can be seen falling as he tries to escape the scene. He gets up, but is still hit by the baton.
In another video, a policeman on horseback is seen trying to regain some control.
Marseille fans had descended upon Spain in their thousands, blocking roads as they chanted their support towards the French giants.
According to French outlets, police had imposed strict conditions on fans as they entered the stadium – including identity checks and lengthy searches – as fans were told to arrive early.
Police had been in strong numbers for the arrival of the Marseille fans with 1,900 national police and 80 from the Madrid municipal drafted in.
It’s the second time in a couple of days Spanish police have clashed with the public at a sporting event.
The Vuelta a Espana – one of cycling’s three grand tours – was due to finish in Madrid on Sunday. However, the race would never reach the Madrid circuit due to pro-Palestinian protestors storming the course.
The stage was cancelled as protestors took issue with Israel Premier-Tech’s presence in the peloton.
“It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us,” race winner Jonas Vingegaard said. “I was looking forward to celebrating this overall win with my team and the fans.
“Everyone has the right to protest, but it’s a shame that it has to happen here and prevents us from finishing the race.”
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