Before a ball has been kicked in Celtic’s Europa League round of 32 second-leg, the headlines have been fixated by violent clashes between Spanish police and fans.
Valencia’s police headquarters Jefatura Superior de Policía have confirmed that six Celtic fans were arrested last night, five of which for disorderly conduct and one for alleged drug trafficking.
Behind 2-0 on aggregate, thousands of Hoops have voyaged to Valencia to support their team despite a limited 2,500 allocation due to the Spanish Government’s Anti-Violence Commission’s “high-risk” categorisation of the fixture.
In addition to limited support, high-risk also means a heavily increased security presence. An ugly record on the continent, Celtic add to the long history of incidents where British fans come into conflict with police.
Footage shows large groups of Hoops supporters confronting Valencia’s police force, and being unmercifully set upon with truncheons. Other footage depicts the police stamping on dropped belongings of their adversaries.
Reports have surfaced that fans as young as 15 were beaten by Spanish police.
Valencia announced that have closed their stadium ticket office over safety concerns.
“For safety reasons, Valencia CF have taken the decision not to open the ticket office at Mestalla today.
“Valencia CF apologise for any inconvenience that this measure, which has been taken with the knowledge of UEFA, the police and Celtic FC in the interests of fan safety, may cause some of our supporters,” the club said.
Fans without tickets have also been told there will be no fan-zone to watch the game in.
Supporters now hand over the fighting to Valencia and Celtic for a round of 16 spot at 5:55pm.
