Man arrested after serious disorder before Valencia vs Barcelona at Mestalla | OneFootball

A man has been arrested over serious public disorder before Valencia’s match against Barcelona at Mestalla on 23 May, the National Police said in a statement.

Trouble flared after the home team bus passed along Avenida de Suècia, when a large group of supporters set off flares and attacked officers, throwing street furniture and glass bottles.

The detainee was identified as one of the most active participants, disobeying orders and urging the crowd to confront the police.

One officer suffered an arm injury after being struck by a thrown glass bottle. The disorder endangered people and property, sparking running, pushing and falls among supporters.

Specialist officers from the Provincial Information Brigade took charge of the inquiry to identify those involved. Investigators linked the man to insults, active throwing of objects and chairs, and to encouraging younger fans to confront officers, which heightened tension and violence.

He had previously been sanctioned for breaches of Law 19/2007 on violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport. Officers made the arrest on Thursday morning on suspicion of public disorder and assault on officers, and the investigation remains open with further arrests not ruled out.

Source: Superdeporte