Atletico Madrid says some of its fans attacked by Athletic Bilbao supporters before Copa semifinal
BILBAO, Spain (AP) — Atletico Madrid said one of its supporters was hospitalized with serious injuries amid fan trouble ahead of the team's Copa del Rey second-leg semifinal against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo told Movistar that some of the team's fans were allegedly attacked by Athletic supporters at a bar near San Mamés Stadium.
Spanish media said the arrival of Atletico's bus to the stadium was delayed several minutes. Images showed some fans lighting flares and throwing barriers against the stadium's doors before the match.
Police in riot gear were seen in the area.
Authorities had not immediately confirmed the hospitalization of an Atletico fan.
Athletic won the first leg 1-0 in Madrid. It was ahead 2-0 at halftime on Thursday.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
