Spanish police are planning to ‘strengthen security’ for Manchester United’s clash with Athletic Club Bilbao this week.
That’s according to El Correo, who report that a ‘special operation’ will be in place for the Europa League semi-final first-leg at San Mames on Thursday.
The newspaper explains that officers are set to deployed across the city ahead of the clash against Manchester United to prevent the ‘recurrence’ of serious incidents experienced in a previous elimination at the hands of Glasgow Rangers.
Clashes between fans on that occasion saw six people detained, four Basques and two Rangers fans, alongside 13 injured.
The Autonomous Police in the region have therefore decided to modify their usual operation and special attention will be pair to control the access area to the stadium from Carrera Licenciado Poza Street, an area where thousands usually enjoy the atmosphere before the game.
Sources have told the newspaper that ‘agents’ will be deployed in areas inside and outside of the bars to control access and prevent any hostilities.
The most serious ‘riots’ came after the game with Rangers, and it was largely fans without tickets who were blamed for this. Police want to avoid a repeat of this with Manchester United and so there will be a ‘greater deployment’ in the area.
There is a particular concern that any issues will tarnish Bilbao’s international image less than a month before they host the Europa League final. That is why special attention is being given to this game.
British Police have reported that 2,8000 fans will follow Manchester United to the game, with 2,600 of them having tickets for the game. Of the other 200, 50 have been branded ‘risk fans’.
