Why Cultural Leonesa v Athletic has been declared high risk | OneFootball

The National Anti-violence Commission has declared tonight's Copa tie between Cultural Leonesa and Athletic in León high risk.

According to El Correo, the decision rests on two factors, a sizeable away following and Athletic fans based across the province. The club received 650 tickets and sold 545, with more rojiblancos expected in the Reino de León.

Security planning is complicated when large numbers arrive from outside the city, so vigilance extends beyond the stadium. There had been concern over a possible trip by the Herri Norte ultra group, but they did not travel and their names are absent from ticket lists.

The operation was reinforced amid fears of clashes between ultras, with local radicals linked to the far right and visitors associated with ultra-left independence ideology. The local group Orgullo Cazurro will boycott after one of its leaders was ejected in late November.

Athletic's last one-off away Copa tie with high-risk status was in December 2023 at El Sardinero against Cayón, again due to the potential presence of Herri Norte. Members chanted offensive slogans, including "puta Santander" and "españoles hijos de puta".

High-risk status compels extra measures, including closing ticket offices at 14.00, greater segregation inside the ground and strict entry checks. Police have planned a broad preventive deployment focusing on supporter monitoring in coordination with event operators.

Source: El Correo