Police identify Italian ultras travelling to Seville with Atlético de Madrid before Copa del Rey final | OneFootball

Spanish National Police have identified five Italian ultras travelling to Seville with Atlético de Madrid hardliners ahead of the Copa del Rey final, after a series of overnight interventions. Officers have carried out 160 identifications and seized prohibited items.

According to Superdeporte, 91 radicals were intercepted near La Carlota in Córdoba last night as two Atlético buses headed towards the capital, with sprays, rubber items and many wooden sticks taken. Two more buses were stopped this morning.

In Seville, 60 Real Sociedad ultras were later identified and officers confiscated 95 metal poles along with mouthguards, gloves and back protectors. Police also found so called ultra caps with internal protectors, described as a first seizure in the city, and are examining their use as possible head protection.

Subdelegate of the Government in Seville, Francisco Toscano, said the night was complicated and long but that planning and execution by the Policía Nacional prevented serious incidents. He addressed the media alongside Francisco López Gordon, María Dolores and Nacho López Gancorria.

Toscano added that local radicals had embedded themselves with visiting groups, saying the organisation appeared to be by ideological affinity rather than football. He also noted the presence of ultras from outside Spain travelling with one group.

No clashes have been recorded and there have been no arrests. Authorities are monitoring movements with drones and a high resolution helicopter, and do not control whether these groups have match tickets.

Source: Superdeporte