MADRID, Spain – Atletico Madrid has announced that they will not be selling tickets to Athletic Club fans for their upcoming La Liga match in late April. This decision comes in response to an incident where an Atletico fan was hospitalized before a previous match against Athletic Club, which resulted in a 4-0 aggregate loss for Atletico.
The fan was reportedly attacked by Athletic hooligans in a bar near San Mames. The partner of the hospitalized fan described the situation as dangerous, stating that they felt as though they were in a “mouse trap.” Furthermore, when the police were notified, they allegedly claimed they did not have the necessary resources to intervene.
According to a statement released by Atletico, they had raised concerns prior to the match about the safety of their traveling fans and the need for increased security measures. They not only condemned the violence that occurred but also revealed that they had reached an agreement with the police to prohibit the sale of tickets to Athletic fans for the upcoming match at the Metropolitano stadium.
This decision to restrict ticket sales to Athletic fans highlights the escalating tensions between the two clubs and raises questions about the safety of fans attending matches. The incident has sparked a debate about the responsibilities of clubs in ensuring the security of their supporters, particularly in high-stakes matches.
The situation underscores the importance of maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all fans, regardless of their allegiance. It also sheds light on the broader issue of fan violence in football and the challenges faced by authorities in preventing such incidents from occurring.
As the date of the match approaches, both clubs and authorities will be under increased scrutiny to ensure the safety of all fans and prevent any further escalations of violence. The decision made by Atletico to restrict ticket sales serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that fans may face when attending football matches and the need for proactive measures to address these concerns.