The head of English football policing has issued a strong warning to Tottenham and Manchester United fans planning to attend the Europa League final in Bilbao, urging those without tickets not to travel to the city. The message comes amid concerns over the expected influx of tens of thousands of ticketless fans, which could overwhelm the local infrastructure and create significant logistical challenges.
Bilbao, while a vibrant and welcoming city, is relatively small and lacks the capacity to comfortably accommodate the anticipated numbers. Flights and hotel prices are reported to be exceptionally high due to the surge in demand, making it difficult for fans without tickets to find accommodation or even get near the stadium. The stadium itself has a capacity of around 53,000, but only 14,700 tickets were officially allocated to each club. Despite this, officials expect the presence of a large contingent of English fans in the city, estimating numbers could reach as high as 80,000.
English fans are known for their ability to secure tickets through various channels, often creating a much larger presence at such events than official allocations suggest. This, combined with the passionate support for both Tottenham and Manchester United, means Bilbao is likely to be filled with English supporters. However, the policing authorities and event organizers are keen to ensure the event runs smoothly, learning from previous challenges at high-profile European football finals.
The warning comes in the wake of difficulties experienced at recent Champions League finals in Paris and Istanbul, where fan safety and logistical issues dominated headlines. In Paris, chaotic scenes and the treatment of Liverpool fans raised serious concerns, while in Istanbul, although security was tight, the transport and access to the venue were problematic, causing frustration and delays. Authorities in Bilbao are determined to avoid a repeat of these problems by improving coordination and communication with fans.
UEFA has also stepped up efforts to combat ticket fraud and resale scams. Only tickets purchased through UEFA’s official mobile ticketing app will be accepted at the stadium, and those bought via secondary markets will be invalid. Many tickets being sold online at inflated prices, sometimes exceeding £400, are being cancelled, with further cancellations expected. Fans are warned that counterfeit or resold tickets will lead to denied entry, and those without valid tickets are strongly advised not to make the trip.
Police cooperation between England and the Basque Country has been a highlight of the preparations. The two sides share a common approach centered on fan engagement and de-escalation of potential tensions. A visit by Basque officers to Wembley Stadium helped introduce enhanced safety measures at the perimeter of San Mamés, Bilbao’s stadium, to ensure a secure and enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees.
The policing chief expressed optimism that the event would showcase a more positive image of English football supporters. While there is still some lingering suspicion of English fans at foreign venues, the reality is that most travel with good intentions. When issues arise, they tend to be related to alcohol-fueled antisocial behavior rather than premeditated violence. Compared with some hooligan groups in other countries, English fans generally cause fewer serious disturbances.
This shift in behavior and the success of recent events without major incident help reassure European authorities. English fans are seen as valuable visitors who contribute economically to host cities and typically behave responsibly. The hope is that the Bilbao final will reinforce this positive reputation and pave the way for future international events involving English clubs.
Ultimately, the advice remains clear: fans without tickets should think carefully before traveling to Bilbao. The city’s limited accommodation, transport challenges, and strict ticketing policies mean that only those with valid tickets will have a real chance to experience the final inside the stadium. Others would be better served watching the match at home or in designated fan zones in Manchester and London, where the atmosphere will be just as electric but far easier to manage safely.
By learning from past experiences and fostering collaboration between policing bodies and football authorities, organizers aim to make this Europa League final a memorable and trouble-free occasion for all football supporters.
