Police boost security for Levante-Sevilla after ultras clash in Valencia

The LaLiga fixture between Levante and Sevilla, scheduled for Monday at 9:00 p.m. at the Ciutat de València, will go ahead with a larger police presence than originally planned. The decision follows disturbances at midday near the Levante ground, where radical groups from both clubs clashed briefly, according to police sources.

What happened outside the Ciutat de València

The incident took place on a street adjacent to Levante's stadium. A group close to fifty radical Levante supporters, mostly dressed in black and with their faces covered, moved toward the spot where a similar number of Sevilla ultras were gathered. Several of the travelling fans wore Sevilla shirts, although dark clothing predominated, with many using hoods or balaclavas to hide their identity.

Within seconds, both groups started throwing objects at each other. Chairs and bottles flew back and forth, and many of those involved were carrying sticks. Eyewitnesses described a short but intense brawl that lasted roughly two minutes before breaking up.

Police response ahead of the LaLiga match

What happened at midday changed the security plans for the matchday eight LaLiga EA Sports encounter. The National Police had already designed an operation for the Levante-Sevilla game, but after the fighting they decided to increase the number of officers in and around the stadium. The aim is to prevent further incidents before, during or after the match.

• Levante host Sevilla on Monday at 9:00 p.m. at the Ciutat de València.
• Around fifty ultras from each side clashed near the stadium at midday.
• Chairs, bottles and sticks were thrown during a fight that lasted about two minutes.
• National Police will expand the security operation for the matchday eight LaLiga EA Sports fixture.
• Most of those involved wore black and concealed their faces with hoods or balaclavas.

A key LaLiga fixture for both sides

The game comes at a significant moment for both clubs in the league campaign. Levante are looking to make home advantage count and pick up points to climb the table, while Sevilla aim to keep their momentum and strengthen their position in the upper reaches. The atmosphere in and around the stadium now carries extra weight after the disturbances.

Tension between fan groups is nothing new

Clashes between radical fan groups in Spanish football are not a new phenomenon. In recent years, several away trips to Valencia have produced tense episodes, especially when organized supporters of clubs with historic rivalries meet. The quick police response at midday prevented the fight from escalating, and the announced reinforcement is designed to protect a match expected to draw a large crowd.

How the extra security affects the game

The expanded operation will be most visible at the entrances to the Ciutat de València and in the checks on visiting supporters. It is likely that items fans try to bring into the ground will be examined more closely, and any sign of trouble will be monitored carefully. The priority for the authorities is to keep the focus on the pitch rather than the stands.

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