Television claims one thing, police another: No confirmation of Croatian fans in the conflict
Spanish police confirm that there is no evidence of Croatian citizens being involved in skirmishes with law enforcement before a match in Madrid.
On Friday, Spanish police announced that they had no data indicating that Croatian citizens participated in any clashes with authorities prior to the football match between Benfica and Real Madrid in Madrid. Reports from the Spanish football program El Chiringuito de Jugones suggested that a "masked group of Croatian ultras" was seen approaching the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, raising concerns about potential violence among fans. In contrast, a spokesperson from the Madrid police emphasized to the media that they had no information corroborating claims of Croatian fans' involvement in any unrest, dismissing the reports as unverified. Furthermore, the Croatian consulate in Madrid released a statement reinforcing that they had also not received any reports suggesting the participation of Croatian nationals in these disturbances. Despite the serious nature of the allegations portrayed in the television segment, officials from both the Spanish police and the Croatian consulate have sought to clarify the situation, aiming to alleviate tensions and ensure that fans can safely enjoy sporting events. This incident highlights the importance of accurate reporting and the potential consequences fan altercations can have on diplomatic relations and the perception of football culture around international events.