Arsenal pen letter to UK's Spanish ambassador demanding action after Madrid police acted like 'violent, uniformed thugs' after Europa League clash at Wanda Metropolitano

  • Arsenal supporters have delivered a letter to the UK's Spanish ambassador
  • They demand action is taken against Madrid police who acted like 'violent thugs'
  • It includes accusations of officers hitting fans, including women and children

Arsenal supporters have delivered a letter to the UK's Spanish ambassador demanding action is taken against Madrid police who acted like 'violent, uniformed thugs' after their Europa League loss earlier this month.

It includes accusations of officers using their batons to hit Arsenal fans, including women, children and older supporters, without provocation both inside and outside the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

The letter, hand-delivered by the Arsenal Independent Supporters' Association to Carlos Bastarreche at the Spanish embassy in London, claims to have video evidence and witness statements available.

Arsenal supporters have delivered a letter to the UK's Spanish ambassador demanding action is taken against Madrid police who acted like 'violent, uniformed thugs' after Europa League tie

Arsenal supporters have delivered a letter to the UK's Spanish ambassador demanding action is taken against Madrid police who acted like 'violent, uniformed thugs' after Europa League tie

Arsenal lost the match 1-0 to Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, who went on to win the competition after denying Arsene Wenger a dream send-off.

The letter reads: 'During the day of the match before travelling to the stadium visiting supporters - amongst them members of the AISA committee - had enjoyed the sights, food and daily life of the beautiful city of Madrid without incident or problem.

'Sadly we can't say the same for the comportment of some police officers after the match, both in the visitors' section and around the stadium. Without any provocation police officers hit Arsenal fans with their batons, amongst them women, children and older supporters. The police also wouldn't permit Arsenal supporters to use the toilets post-match without reason, explication or previous notice.

'The violence of the police officers was inexcusable. Police officers have an obligation to comport themselves using force only when necessary and proportionate to protect themselves and the public. In Madrid that night the behaviour of some police officers was that of violent uniformed thugs.

'We believe that the events and behaviour of the police after the match should be investigated independently by the appropriate judicial authorities with a view to identifying and disciplining the officers responsible.' 

Diego Costa netted the winner in Madrid which knocked Arsenal out of the competition

Diego Costa netted the winner in Madrid which knocked Arsenal out of the competition

 

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