Football
Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondent 5y

Spain vs. England 'high risk' as FA condemn 'unacceptable behaviour' from fans

SEVILLE, Spain -- England's game against Spain on Monday has been declared high risk, with a bigger security team drafted in to oversee the UEFA Nations League fixture at the Benito Villamarin than for a Seville derby.

England fans were involved in violent disturbances in Seville on Sunday, with video footage on social media showing large groups brandishing tables and chairs on one of the city's main shopping streets. Some were also shown vandalising cars.

The Football Association strongly condemned the incidents, which saw riot police forced to intervene to disperse the crowds. There were no reports of any arrests or serious injuries.

"We condemn the unacceptable behaviour witnessed in Seville. With the Spain fixture still to come on Monday night, we urge those following the team to respect our hosts and act in a responsible manner," an FA spokesperson said.

"The FA will work in partnership with the UK Football Policing Unit to help identify those involved and we will sanction any England Supporters' Travel Club member found to be responsible for disorder."

Around 3,000 fans have travelled to the southern Spanish city for the match, which has an 8:45 p.m. CET kickoff. It takes place at Real Betis' Estadio Benito Villamarin, which has a capacity of 60,721.

There is a large police presence in the city centre and around the stadium ahead of the game but sources have played down concerns about further problems, saying that the Spanish Federation are working hand-in-hand with local police and emergency services to ensure everything runs smoothly.

There are no plans to escort England fans to the stadium, either, as is the case with away supporters when Real Betis and Sevilla meet, though there will be rigorous checks of supporters before they are allowed to enter.

The atmosphere in Seville on Monday, after Sunday's disturbances, was more relaxed, with pockets of England fans filing into cafes, bars and restaurants to avoid the heavy rain which is washing over the city.

This is not the first time England fans have made headlines for their behaviour abroad in 2018; around 90 were arrested for anti-social behaviour before and after a March friendly against Netherlands in Amsterdam.

Information from Reuters was used in this report

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