Villarreal Condemns and Cooperates with Authorities After Attack on Disabled Fans

In a disturbing incident that has shaken the Spanish football community, two fans with disabilities associated with Villarreal CF were physically assaulted outside the Estadio de la Cerámica following a Spanish league match against Valencia on Saturday, February 17.

The Incident

The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was marred by the violent incident that occurred after the game. The two fans, one of whom is a member of Villarreal's squad for players with intellectual disabilities, were taken to the hospital with significant injuries, including a contusion and a jaw fracture.

Club's Response

Villarreal CF has strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing its absolute repudiation of any form of violence. The club stated its commitment to cooperating fully with the police to identify and bring the aggressors to justice.

"Villarreal would like to reiterate the club’s absolute condemnation and utmost repudiation of any act of violence in any form, which has no place in football and society, and wishes to show its support for those affected, with whom it has been in permanent contact and collaboration since the aggression," the club said in a statement.

Arrests and Investigations

Following the incident, the police have made significant progress in their investigation. Two 20-year-old males, identified as Valencia ultras, were arrested on Saturday in connection with the attack. Valencia CF has also issued a statement, indicating that if their fans are found to be responsible, they will face severe penalties, including bans from attending future matches[5].

Broader Context of Football Violence

This incident is part of a larger issue of violence and misconduct in Spanish football. Recently, there have been several cases of racist abuse and other forms of hooliganism. For example, a match between Espanyol and Athletic Club was halted due to racist chants aimed at Athletic forward Maroan Sannadi, highlighting the ongoing struggle to combat racism in the sport[2].

Commitment to Safety and Inclusion

Both Villarreal CF and the broader Spanish football community have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety and inclusion of all fans, particularly those with disabilities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and action against any form of violence or discrimination in football.

As the investigation continues, Villarreal CF and the authorities remain resolute in their pursuit of justice for the victims and in their efforts to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all football enthusiasts.