A Rangers bar has been “torched” as Celtic fans clash with police in Spain ahead of their Europa League tie with Valencia on Thursday night, according to the Sun.
The report also claimed that police “fired rubber bullets and used batons” on fans in the Costa Blanca.
The bar, dubbed the “1st Rangers Bar in Benidorm” was set alight, although drinkers there said that it was the outside flags that had been burned, leaving the inside of the bar untouched.
The Sun also claims that separate video footage shows riot police clashing with fans, while a spokesperson for the National Police in Valencia said of the Celtic fans, “We have six people under arrest, five of them for public disturbance.”
However, a quote from a bystander in Spain said that the violence was mainly down to heavy-handed tactics from the police.
OPINION
Football violence is always to be deplored but there’s nothing specific in this report that puts the blame at the feet of the Celtic. Even the Rangers bar was said to be set alight by “fans” rather than Celtic fans. We would be really surprised if Celtic fans were the cause of the trouble. You’re more likely to find them drinking and singing with the opposition fans, than rioting, lotting and causing trouble. Scottish fans in general just don’t have the same attitude as the minority of travelling English fans. However, this will be painted as another blot by the media and it will tarnish what could be a brilliant night of football in Spain. Celtic have it all to do tonight, holding a 2-0 deficit after the first leg at home. However, if they can get an early goal, who knows what might happen? If they do turn it round, it will be one of the greatest achievements in Europe under Brendan Rodgers.