Herri Norte keep up confrontation with Uriarte at San Mamés | OneFootball

Athletic’s board, led by Jon Uriarte and approaching a re-election vote, remains locked in an escalating stand-off with Herri Norte. A dispute that began over control and behaviour in the singing section has hardened into an open conflict.

As reported by as.com, the group’s latest move was a banner hung on a wall at the base of San Mamés by the Bilbao estuary reading in Basque “Kendu betoak Herri Norteri”, translated as “Remove the bans on Herri Norte”. In the last match against Villarreal, chants of “Uriarte kanpora” from the north end were followed by widespread whistles from the crowd.

The rift stretches back some time. The key flashpoint was Uriarte reporting harassment at his home to the Ertzaintza, after stickers and threatening letters linked to the group appeared in his private surroundings. The club then reaffirmed a zero tolerance stance on any form of coercion.

As a pressure tactic, an animation strike was staged in the Grada Popular Iñigo Cabacas Herri Harmaila. Herri Norte alleges systematic repression and opposes new mandatory identification protocols from the club and police, measures aimed at curbing fines that have reached 40,000 euros this season for offensive chants and violent conduct.

While the radicals demand total freedom of movement in the north end, the board has stood firm. The expulsion of several members accused of intimidating other fans has been another recurring flashpoint amid rising sanctions.

With the Anti-Violence Commission’s list of violent groups as a backdrop, the outlook for organised support at San Mamés is uncertain. The club has urged fans to keep backing positive as tensions continue to deepen.

Source: as.com