Atletico Madrid boss flees after fan attack by Athletic Club ultras ahead of Copa del Rey clash

Thursday evening, in the hours before the second leg match of the semi-final of the Copa del Rey between Athletic Club and Atletico Madrid at San Mames, a number of visiting supporters were attacked in a restaurant near Bilbao. At least one fan had to be taken to the hospital for these injuries, in what was a shocking event.

The president of Atleti, Enrique Cerezo, was furious to hear this news, and he made his feelings on the matter known when he spoke to Movistar + (via Relief) before the party, which Athletic Club won 3-0securing their place in the Copa del Rey final in the process.

“They were attacked by people from Athletic. We come to football to win friends and not to have problems. Football is football. Aggression and violation of the rights of every citizen to watch football without problem they can't tolerate it.

“I am in the hospital and we are waiting for news. I ask all the fans of Spain that football is football and you have to come to watch the matches. Nobody comes here to kill themselves or to die. They come for pleasure and tranquility.”

Cerezo's remarks are spot on. The problem of fans is a serious problem not only in Spain, but also in all of Europe. There have been many cases of supporters killed before or after the matches, and it is very sad to see. It remains only to hope that he Atletico Madrid the supporters in question are fine.