In Seville this Saturday, Osasuna faced Real Madrid in a King’s Cup final that drew a wide crowd. Felipe VI, accompanied by his youngest daughter Infanta Sofia, stepped onto the scene as the monarch arrived in the city after his attendance elsewhere. The moment was underscored by a coronation atmosphere and international attention tied to the ongoing celebrations around Carlos III in London.
The king endured the din of the stadium as Osasuna fans and others made their voices heard. Even with the loudspeakers blasting, the whistles and boos directed at the Spanish anthem were audible, yet the mood shifted as Real Madrid supporters showed their support when the king appeared on screen. Whistles and applause mingled as he entered the viewing lodge with Infanta Sofia, a scene that reflected the strong passions tied to a cup final of such significance.
Patrons representing Navarre and Pamplona made their feelings known in the arena, while a small ikurriña appeared in the background. In the hours leading up to the kickoff, fans from both clubs spoke of a sense of normalcy and respectful coexistence, a rare moment of calm before the events on the pitch unfolded.
Arrested for riot
But late in the afternoon, tensions surged in Seville as small radical groups from both clubs clashed on the streets of the city center. Police sources did not disclose whether the detainees were affiliated with ultra groups, but confirmed that several individuals were taken into custody after confrontations that disrupted public order and led to confrontations with authorities. The episode added a charged note to a day otherwise filled with football drama and ceremonial spectacle, underscoring the fragile balance between celebration and unrest in big-city matches.
The authorities stressed their commitment to keeping the public safe while allowing fans to enjoy the match and the surrounding festivities. As night fell, observers noted a clear division between those who valued the pageantry of the event and others who believed the moment offered a chance to express raw discontent in a way that endangered public safety. The incident served as a reminder that sports rivalries, though passionate, must not spill into violence or threaten the well-being of bystanders. (Source: comprehensive security reports)