Copa del Rey final: 91 ultras identified as police seize knives, chains and 95 iron bars | OneFootball

The National Police said they had identified 91 people and seized knives, chains and iron bars in a pre-final security operation in Seville ahead of Atlético de Madrid v Real Sociedad, adding that the items were likely destined for clashes between rival fans.

Operations took place on the A4 near La Carlota in Córdoba, in Seville, and along departure, arrival and travel routes for supporters heading to Estadio La Cartuja.

At about 21:30 on Friday, officers from a deployment of more than 1,600 personnel stopped two buses of radical fans from Madrid on the A4 towards Seville near La Carlota.

Reports were issued for breaches of the Sports Law and the Citizen Security Law after the stop. In one bus they found a gun holster and 26 wooden poles disguised as flags, in the other a mouthguard, numerous balaclavas, two chains, a knife, spray paint and another 25 wooden poles.

Overnight in Seville, further checks on ultras from both cities led to seizures from cars and vans, including a box containing 95 iron bars. Other items taken included protective vests, 12 helmets, a knuckleduster, 31 flares, 19 flare launchers, two knives, three mouthguards, pepper spray, T-shirts with ultra symbols, hundreds of motorcycle gloves with protectors, balaclavas and a stab-resistant vest.

Both fanbases are being closely monitored, with the memory of Aitor Zabaleta, a young Real Sociedad supporter murdered in December 1998 by an Atlético de Madrid ultra near the Vicente Calderón before a meeting between the clubs, still present.

Source: AS