The security minister for the Basque Country, Bingen Zupiria, has revealed that Spain’s State Commission Against Violence in Sport has proposed a fine of around $11,000 (€10,000) against the Basque Football Federation following an incident at the match between Euskadi and Palestine, in which a spectator used a flare that injured another person. Speaking on Radio Euskadi, Zupiria said the sanction is linked to “problems with flares and stadium access” at San Mamés during the game, which was played last November.

Strong stance against flares

The security minister also referred to tonight’s Champions League match between Athletic Club and Sporting CP, which has been classified as high risk. “Those responsible within the Basque police speak with real concern about flares, to the point of warning that at some stage there could be a serious incident or even a tragedy,” Zupiria said.

In that context, he disclosed that the State Anti-Violence Commission has proposed sanctions against the individual who “either dropped or threw a flare,” which “burned and injured a person sitting in the stands.” He added that he does not expect “any bans today on organized fan activities carried out in an orderly manner.”

“It’s a delicate issue. One thing is welcoming a team, applauding and supporting it, and another is taking that support into situations that involve risk,” Zupiria warned. He confirmed that Portuguese fans have already arrived in Bilbao, but stressed that “it is important to distinguish between supporters who are simply attending the match and those who engage in illegal or improper behavior.”