Police launch 'biggest operation ever' as man utd and spurs fans brawl in bilbao

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 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. Article continues below 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. 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. Article continues below Fans threw punches and objects, including a wheelie bin and drinks.

However, there were no arrests made, although police remained in the area.