Tensions have flared in the Basque Country as large groups of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur supporters descended on Bilbao in the build-up to Wednesday night’s Europa League final, with Spanish media expressing frustration over widespread disturbances.
While the Europa League final is being held in Bilbao, the presence of Tottenham and Manchester United fans is being felt far beyond the Basque capital.
Thousands of English supporters—many of them known hooligans—have spread across cities including San Sebastian, Vitoria and Santander, where several disturbances have already been reported.
Tottenham and Manchester United face off on Wednesday evening at San Mames in what is set to be a historic final. The match has drawn tens of thousands of English fans, far exceeding Bilbao’s hotel capacity and forcing many to seek accommodation across the wider Cantabrian coast.
According to UEFA figures, 15,000 fans from each club are expected inside the stadium. However, this figure only accounts for ticketed supporters. Many others have travelled with no intention of entering San Mames, eager instead to soak up the atmosphere.
Local authorities estimate that over 60,000 English fans have arrived in the region. As a result, accommodation has spilt over into neighbouring cities.
San Sebastian, Vitoria, and even Santander have all seen a surge in visitors. Just hours before kick-off, the cheapest bed in Bilbao—a shared dorm in a hostel—was listed at €435. Aena confirmed that at least 165 charter flights had been scheduled, in addition to regular commercial flights bringing in thousands more.
Faced with this logistical overflow, many fans are set to arrive in Bilbao throughout the day, while others have opted for overnight buses from surrounding towns, prepared to spend the night on the streets of the Biscayan capital. Unfortunately, as often accompanies heavy drinking and hooligan culture, incidents have already occurred.
Multiple cities affected by pre-match incidents
The Basque police (Ertzaintza) have had to intervene on multiple occasions. In Donostia (San Sebastian), a group of Tottenham fans were caught vandalising street infrastructure, including smashing traffic lights.
In Santander, a Spurs supporter, accompanied by his son, was involved in a confrontation with a group of Manchester United ultras inside a cafe, which escalated into a violent brawl, sending tables flying.
In Bilbao itself, clashes broke out between dozens of fans from both clubs in the city’s Old Town. Local media reports that chairs, glasses and rubbish bins were thrown during the disturbances before police forces stepped in to restore order.
One of the more surreal scenes unfolded in Plaza Nueva, where a group of fans attempted to scale a resident’s balcony using nearby scaffolding. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, prompted both the local council and the Ertzaintza to issue statements urging calm and respect.
Authorities have reiterated that while Bilbao is proud of its reputation as a welcoming city, antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.