Spanish police await Manchester fans

Press, 8 March 1984, Page 10

Spanish police await Manchester fans

NZPA-AAP London The British Sports Minister, Mr Neil Macfarlane has called on Spanish authorities to show no mercy to any Manchester United supporter who misbehaves in Barcelona at the European Cup Winner’s Clip match today, Mr Macfarlane warned the expected 5000 Manchester United fans: “If you abuse their hospitality, I hope the Spanish authorities send you to prison for a long time. Don’t underestimate the Spanish police.” His statement comes after recent loutish behaviour by British sports fans, particularly the soccer fans who last week clashed, with the French police in Paris. The “Daily Express” says that British soccer chiefs

fear that a similar eruption of crowd violence today could result in English clubs’ being banned from European competitions. The Manchester United supporters left yesterday for Barcelona despite pleas by club officials and players to stay away. Television reports yesterday said that the Spanish news media had blamed Manchester United supporters for last week’s violence in Paris.

The Spanish police have threatened to crack down on crowd violence.

“We mean business,” a police spokesman said. Four thousand police, including riot control squads who handed out beatings to England supporters in the 1982 World Cup, will be on duty for the match.