Arsenal fans tear-gassed by police as violence breaks out in Atletico tie | Football | Sport
Tear gas was used on fans (Image: X)
Arsenal supporters were tear-gassed by police as violent scenes broke out outside the Metropolitano Stadium, as police deployed strong measures ait was Atletico fans, all dressed in black, who clashed with local police, sparkingall dressed in black, that clashed with local police, which sparked trouble outside the ground more than an hour before kick-off.
Arsenal supporters were subsequently caught up in the unrest as police used tear gas, leaving a distinctive smell lingering near the stadium while rubber bullets were also fired. Fans were forced to cover their mouths with scarves as they made their way towards the ground.
Sections of Atletico fans could be seen putting their hands in the air to try and deter police from using any further measures, while others could be seen climbing fences to try and escape.
There were similar issues when Atletico welcomed Barcelona to the city in their quarter-final, when police hit supporters with batons and used tear gas again. On this occasion, several supporters required medical treatment for head injuries.
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Home fans welcomed Diego Simeone’s side by filling the streets surrounding the stadium and letting of flares, but scenes quickly turned ugly as police reportedly charged a minority of rowdy fans.
More officers were deployed on horseback to try and restore order.
Arsenal are looking to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006, when they were beaten by Barcelona.
Footage of Atletico fans trying to escape from police. (Image: X)
Wednesday’s tie is the first of their two legs, after Arsenal booked their place in the final four with a 1-0 aggregate win over Sporting CP.
Mikel Arteta‘s side claimed a 4-0 win over Atletico in the league phase of the competition in October, with Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli scoring alongside a brace from Viktor Gyokeres. The three goalscorers all start once again in Madrid.
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Ahead of the match, Simeone urged his side’s supporters to provide a raucous atmosphere, to be carried onto the pitch with the team.
“It’s extraordinary that Atletico Madrid is in a Champions League semi-final again after nine years and after doing it for the fourth time in 14 years, if I’m not mistaken,” he said.
“That really is wonderful, it’s incredible, incredible. And I think that faith, that excitement, that contagiousness that our people transmit to us will do us a lot of good.
“We are going to face a tough game with a very good opponent and with a set-piece strategy as you well said at the beginning that is very well worked and well, here we go with all the excitement.
“I always say that dreaming is good but reality is what happens on earth. And what happens on earth is what we do and what God wants. So that’s how we behave.
“Honestly pressure no, there’s no pressure. There’s responsibility. There is the excitement of being close to a huge goal that the club has never achieved. And of course there is a special excitement.
“And we have to prepare well, we’re going to play the game we want to play, the game we imagine and as I always say, take the game where we want so we can hurt them.”
