Spanish Police Crack Down on Violent Football Ultras
Spanish police have reported the successful neutralization of numerous planned meetings among violent football ultras this season.
The National Police announced that they have made 162 arrests of individuals associated with radical football groups during the 2025-26 campaign.
Authorities claim to have prevented multiple scheduled confrontations between rival ultra groups, including thwarting a planned clash between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla supporters in early November.
In their operations, police recovered materials hidden in bushes that were allegedly intended for use in attacks against rival factions.
Another notable incident involved the arrest of 14 individuals prior to a supposed meet-up between ultras from city rivals Sevilla and Real Betis, ahead of their La Liga match.
The 162 arrests were made during 15 operations conducted across Spain throughout the season.
Police have reiterated their commitment to a policy of 'zero tolerance' towards extremist and violent behavior.
According to officials, the majority of those detained are involved in offenses such as public disorder, tumultuous brawls, injuries, and membership in criminal groups.
The predominant profile of the detainees consists of men aged 18 to 40, many of whom have prior records related to public order offenses and affiliations with radical factions of various ideologies.