Police Scuffle Erupts Outside Santiago Bernabeu as Marseille Fans Clash with Spanish Authorities

Police Clash with French Fans Ahead of Real Madrid Match MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 - A heated confrontation erupted outside the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday as Spanish police clashed with supporters of Olympique de Marseille ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Marseille. According to eyewitnesses, a few thousand French fans were waiting to get into the stadium when they attempted to move out of their designated area. Police in riot gear and horse-riding officers used batons to disperse the crowd, leaving several fans injured. "It was like a war zone," said one Marseille fan, who wished to remain anonymous. "We just wanted to get inside the stadium, but the police were too aggressive." The UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Marseille is one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in the competition, with both teams boasting impressive records. Real Madrid, led by captain and star player Luka Modrić, has won a record 13 European titles, while Marseille has reached the final twice. The tension outside the stadium was palpable as fans from both sides clashed. "We're just trying to enjoy the game," said another Marseille fan. "But it's getting harder with the police being so aggressive." The clash between Spanish police and French fans is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of the growing tensions between the two countries. In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents involving French fans in Spain, including a 2019 match between Marseille and Barcelona that ended in violence. UEFA officials have condemned the behavior of both the police and the fans, calling for calm and respect during the match. "We urge all parties to remain peaceful and respectful," said UEFA spokesperson, Martin Stow. "The safety of our players, staff, and fans is our top priority." The match between Real Madrid and Marseille kicked off at 9:00 PM local time, with the Spanish team ultimately emerging victorious 2-1. As the Champions League continues to unfold, fans and officials alike will be watching closely to see if this incident marks a turning point in the rivalry between French and Spanish football supporters. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*