Jon Uriarte’s three-year battle with Athletic ultras escalates to police complaint | OneFootball

Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte has reported threats to the Ertzaintza, the most serious flashpoint yet in a sustained campaign of harassment by radical supporters since soon after he took office.

According to El Correo, Uriarte cut off recognition and dialogue with ultras linked to Herri Norte, condemned violence and abusive chants at San Mamés, identified offenders, made them liable for fines and expelled some members.

Hardliners have tried to control the singing section. Four months after his election, dozens walked out in protest at the removal of a pro-Russia flag, triggering post-match incidents and €50,000 in fines. Ultras accused Uriarte of complicity and staged an animation strike against Celta, the club moved to expel three fans, and he later apologised at Cayón for offensive chants at El Sardinero by about 50 black-clad radicals.

In 2024 the club maintained a zero-tolerance policy at San Mamés and on Europa League trips, tightened access controls and warned that expulsions would follow offensive chants, a stance denounced by hardliners as repression.

Tensions spiked after the Roma game at the Stadio Olimpico when Herri Norte members launched flares, one towards home fans. Team captains condemned it and the club vowed zero tolerance, saying such behaviour betrays Athletic’s values. Uriarte called the group a scourge and said the club was working with police to identify those responsible and act.

On 4 December 2024, after facing Real Madrid, an unknown man confronted Uriarte near Doctor Areilza and Licenciado Poza with abuse and threats referencing Herri Harmaila, as recorded in his complaint. The club said threats crossed a red line, while radical groups distanced themselves but alleged an authoritarian drift.

The pressure continued into January with graffiti reading Uriarte Kanpora near San Mamés, amplified on social media, and the club barred two ultras for coercing others during a protest. Chants against Uriarte have persisted in part of the North Lower, drawing ire from the rest of the ground. He has said one section has turned on the others, creating almost a civil war.

Source: El Correo