Manchester United and Tottenham fans warred in the Spanish streets as Bilbao police launched their 'biggest operation ever' ahead of the Europa League final
20:13, 21 May 2025
Bilbao police
Police were patrolling Bilbao(Image: PA)
Bilbao police had launched their biggest ever operation before Manchester United and Tottenham fans had brawled in the Spanish streets.
Over 70,000 English fans made the trip to the Basque Country for the Europa League final. And ahead of the clash in Bilbao, Spanish police had been on red alert as they deployed a ring of steel to fortify the San Mames Stadium.
However, despite the added police presence, United and Spurs fans clashed in the streets.
Images and videos emerged on social media as British fans tore down traffic lights and launched beer bottles. According to The Sun, local media reported that the English football fans had become "difficult to control" as they launched their "biggest ever" operation.
The Spanish authority have responded by deploying more than 3,000 gun-wielding cops to oversee three security rings around the stadium.
Police Officers stand as fans of Tottenham Hotspur arrive at the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.
It was called the biggest ever police operation in Bilbao(Image: Getty Images)
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Only fans with tickets and local residents will be allowed inside these three rings - after fears ticketless supporters could try to enter the stadium.
United and Spurs had been allocated just 15,000 tickets each for the clash, despite a combined 70,000 making the journey over the Bay of Biscay.
To further stop ticketless fans a 10-foot high fence has been erected around the stadium, with border controls reinforced by the Spanish National Police.
Fans were seen brawling in Bilbao on the eve of the Europa League final
Fans clashed ahead of the Europa League final
Fan zones have also been set up with more than 60,000 litres of beer in hopes fans would stay aways from the stadium.
It's all in hope to stop scenes which were witnessed in San Sebastian overnight.
Fans brawled down the Fermín Calbetón Street around 9.20pm. Police were called following reports of violent behaviour.
Eyewitnesses said the trouble started when two groups of rival supporters began hurling insults at each other.
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Fans threw punches and objects, including a wheelie bin and drinks.
However, there were no arrests made, although police remained in the area.