Spanish police (in full riot gear) were there to ‘clear a walkway’
Manchester United fans were manhandled and charged at by Spanish police in the away end at Villarreal on Tuesday night.
United beat the La Liga outfit in the Champions League Group F tie, with Jadon Sancho’s first goal since arriving at Old Trafford and a Cristiano Ronaldo strike securing their passage into the knockout stages of the tournament.
However, while things went to plan for the Red Devils during the 90 minutes, the scenes off the pitch have angered and annoyed the United fans who were in attendance at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
In a video posted to Twitter, Spanish police – equipped in full riot gear – can be seen entering the away end where United’s supporters were situated.
The post claims that they were present to ‘clear a walkway’, but scenes quickly turned ugly as the police began to manhandle a number of fans.
While it remains to be seen what actually caused the incident, and whether or not the police had reason to enter the away end, ISLO (Independent supporter liaison officer for Manchester United match going fans) claim that they had no reason to react like they did.
Spanish Police in the United end in full riot gear. There’s never any trouble in our away ends in Europe and there no justification for this brutality from the Spanish Police. All this to clear a walkway. Disgusting. @FansEurope @WeAreTheFSA pic.twitter.com/ETcYeR8kEF
— MUST ISLO for Manchester United match going fans (@ISLO_MUST) November 23, 2021
They tweeted: “Spanish Police in the United end in full riot gear. There’s never any trouble in our away ends in Europe and there no justification for this brutality from the Spanish Police. All this to clear a walkway. Disgusting.”
In response to the video, Football Supporters Europe (FSE) stated that the ‘unprovoked’ actions of the police are “deeply concerning”.
On Twitter, they wrote: “The actions of the police—unprovoked—are deeply concerning. We’ve raised our concerns directly with the Spanish authorities & will do so with other relevant parties. Stay safe & share any information—eye witness reports, video material, etc.—with us & @faircop_.”
The actions of the police—unprovoked—are deeply concerning.
We’ve raised our concerns directly with the Spanish authorities & will do so with other relevant parties.
Stay safe & share any information—eye witness reports, video material, etc.—with us & @faircop_ https://t.co/x6iUpphWHZ
— FSE – Football Supporters Europe (@FansEurope) November 23, 2021
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) also reacted that to the video, stating: “Fans subject to shocking policing in Spain once again. If you were at the Villarreal match and have a first-hand account to share please email our caseworker Amanda Jacks (amanda.jacks@thefsa.org.uk). We’ll be co-ordinating a response alongside @ISLO_MUST & @FansEurope #MUFC”.
Fans subject to shocking policing in Spain once again. If you were at the Villareal match and have a first-hand account to share please email our caseworker Amanda Jacks (amanda.jacks@thefsa.org.uk).
We'll be co-ordinating a response alongside @ISLO_MUST & @FansEurope. #MUFC https://t.co/10zPBoDI1f
— The FSA (@WeAreTheFSA) November 24, 2021
ISLO insist that there’s never been any trouble in United away ends in Europe, with a host of people taking to social media to express their disgust with the ‘brutality’ shown.
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- Paul Scholes didn’t hold back in assessment ’embarrassing’ Man United
- Mauricio Pochettino plays down Man United links, claiming he is ‘happy’ in Paris
- Man United players unhappy with assistant manager’s ‘school teacher’ approach
