What was most talked about yesterday in the football circles was nothing other than the launching of flares from the sector of the Olympic Stadium in Rome where the Athletic fans were located, either towards a stand with local fans, or onto the grass itself. The usual ones once again gave the grade. The reaction of the Bilbao club was immediate.
A harsh and forceful statement was prepared from Ibaigane. Valverde, for his part, made his position clear in his appearance after the match, emphasizing the word stain. The captains, led by De Marcos and Iñaki Williams, addressed the section of the Athletic fans in question once the match had concluded to recriminate this type of incident. Ander Herrera, Paredes and Galarreta also made it clear in their interventions before the press that this was not the case.
This reaction from the different levels of Athletic was recognized and applauded by football people both on the street and in the media. A gentleman’s club behaving with the gentlemanliness that is expected of a century-old institution. The new stain, however, will be difficult to clean.
common problem
This, in any case, is not a problem that solely and exclusively affects the red and white entity. Similar episodes have been experienced with other teams and their corresponding radical or ultra sectors. If it is not the launching of flares, it is a field invasion, a surprise attack on the enemy’s fans on duty or a more or less multi-day fight between hooligans. Any excuse is good to go and ride it.
Athletic will have to do more if possible when it comes to controlling those who buy tickets. Some recommend requesting that the owner’s identification be made at the entrance to the stadium on the day of the match. Everything will work out.
On a day when all of Bilbao should have been talking about the 1-1 draw in Rome, the throwing of flares took center stage. Sad, but real like life itself.
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