Leicester fans sing 'Gibraltar is ours' in clashes with Spanish police ahead of Atletico Madrid quarter-final
Eight Leicester fans have already been detained for public disorder following disturbances on Tuesday night
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Video footage showing Leicester City fans singing 'Gibraltar is ours' in clashes with Spanish police has emerged ahead of the club's Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid.
Eight Leicester fans have already been detained for public disorder following instances of anti-social behaviour in Madrid's Plaza Mayor late on Tuesday night.
More clashes have occurred in the hours before Wednesday's evening kick-off, with supporters filmed chanting: “You Spanish b*******, Gibraltar is ours.”
The chants come amid a heightened state of political tension between the United Kingdom and Spain over the disputed status of Gibraltar, which was ceded to Britain in 1713.
The headland's future as a British Overseas Territory is in the balance ahead of the UK's forthcoming Brexit negotiations with the European Union.
The British government is likely to face the choice of either reaching an agreement with their Spanish counterparts over Gibraltar's status or leaving the territory outside of any prospective trade deal between the post-Brexit UK and the EU.
According to local authorities, the Leicester supporters arrested on Tuesday caused problems into the night and disrespected police officers.
About 100 Leicester fans were in the plaza at the time. Authorities said the disorder began when police officers tried to disperse the crowd.
Spanish media said two officers and three fans sustained minor injuries in the initial confrontations.
The first leg of the quarterfinals will be played at Vicente Calderon Stadium. About 3,000 Leicester fans were expected to make the trip to Madrid to support their team.
Additional reporting by AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments