Godsent Ogbebor
Police Clash With Marseille Fans as Flags Seized at Bernabeu
Spanish police clashed with supporters of Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday night before the Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The confrontation broke out outside the stadium as Marseille fans gathered ahead of the game. Riot police, some on horseback, moved in with batons after the French supporters attempted to leave the area assigned to them. A few thousand Marseille fans were in Madrid for the match, prompting a heavy security presence.
Though tensions were high, the situation was brought under control, and fans were able to enter the stadium before kick-off.
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Security officials also barred spectators from carrying Palestinian flags into the ground, enforcing a policy that has been in place for some time. Flags brought to the gates were confiscated.
The restriction came days after pro-Palestinian protests disrupted Spain’s Vuelta cycling race, where demonstrators demanded that the Israel Premier Tech team be expelled. Protesters clashed with police in Madrid on Sunday, forcing changes to the final stage of the three-week event.
On Tuesday, security remained tight around the Bernabeu, with mounted police stationed outside to prevent further disturbances.
