The pre-match between Real Sociedad and PSG almost turned into a nightmare.
Before the Champions League round of 16 second leg, this Tuesday evening, Basque police prevented a violent brawl between supporters of the two teams, according to information from local media Noticias de Gipuzko.
Who is concerned ?
Ertzaintza, the name of the local police, identified 150 individuals considered dangerous and ready to participate in this brawl.
Among them, we find around fifty Spanish fans and around a hundred Parisians considered “radical”.
As a reminder, nearly 1,850 PSG supporters are present in San Sebastián.
700 are considered ultras, but only a hundred as “radical” and “dangerous”.
All these people had already arranged to meet in two specific places in the city to come to blows.
The same program had been decided between the same supporters for the first leg even if the fight ultimately did not take place either.
A dozen Parisian supporters, claiming to be ultra-right, were arrested when they wanted to attack opposing fans in a bar in the capital.
What types of weapons were seized?
The Basque police seized around forty so-called “strong” objects.
Among them, we find around fifteen golf clubs, a metal bar, several hammers, or even a baton, several screwdrivers and metal hinges.
Three bladed weapons (a knife and two penknives) were also found in the twenty vehicles searched.
All these confiscated objects were accompanied by combat equipment (hoods, gloves, brass knuckles, etc.).
🔴 The Ertzaintza identifies a medio centenary of "seguidores de riesgo" of the #RealSociedad and there are other times of PSG that carry objects of illegal use #RealSociedadPSG https://t.co/R57vWbfgDO
— Noticias de Gipuzkoa (@NotGip) March 5, 2024
According to information from RMC Sports, during a police check at the Spanish border, a Parisian bus from Collectif Ultras Paris was prevented from entering the territory after the seizure of similar prohibited objects.
What security system does San Sebastián have?
The match had been classified as high risk for several weeks by the authorities.
The mayor of San Sebastián, Eneko Goia, said he was particularly “attentive and concerned” until the match took place this Tuesday evening.
Border controls took place throughout the day on Tuesday to control the arrival of PSG supporters in Spain.
The city of San Sebastián has also put in place an important security system, particularly around the procession of Parisian supporters to the stadium.
The Anoeta venue will be sold out this Tuesday evening.