What was meant to be a celebration of football has quickly turned into a scene of unrest. In the lead-up to the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League Final—set to be played this Wednesday, May 21, at San Mamés Stadium—the city of Bilbao has experienced a wave of violence and vandalism involving fans from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

According to local media and Basque authorities, the disturbances were not limited to Bilbao. Nearby cities like San Sebastián and Santander also saw outbreaks of chaotic behavior, with hundreds of drunken British supporters engaging in fights, destruction of property, and overall mayhem.

Fights, Thefts, and Urban Destruction

In San Sebastián’s Old Town, violent clashes erupted between fan groups. Witnesses reported brawls, projectile throwing, and damage to bars, terraces, and public fixtures. Trash bins were overturned and set on fire. The Ertzaintza (Basque Police) were deployed to restore order—though no arrests have been officially confirmed.

In Bilbao, the scenes were equally disturbing: street fights, vandalized storefronts, and viral footage showing a fan tearing out a traffic light and parading it like a trophy. Social media was flooded with images, sparking outrage among locals.

Basque Security Minister Bingen Zupiria acknowledged the growing concerns:

“Most fans have behaved festively, but we have confirmed incidents of aggression and theft.”

In response, over 1,500 Ertzaintza officers have been deployed, working with local police, UEFA, and British security liaisons to ensure safety ahead of the final.

Over 70,000 English Fans—Many Without Tickets

Authorities estimate that more than 70,000 English fans have descended on the region, many without tickets to the match. To prevent further chaos, fan zones with giant screens, restricted areas, and controlled access points around San Mamés have been established.

Despite the troubling build-up, the hope remains that Wednesday’s final will proceed peacefully, and that Bilbao can still shine as a worthy international host city. But for now, the celebration has been overshadowed by tension, with the spotlight shifting from the pitch to the streets.