National Police agents have made a total of 162 arrests, allegedly linked to radical groups in the football arena, during the first half of the 2025-2026 season. These arrests are part of 15 investigative operations carried out in various Spanish provinces.
Resolute response against violence in sports
The operations, led by experts in sports violence from the National Police's Information areas, were initiated as a result of various brawls and other violent altercations between football ultras groups. These incidents occurred mainly during sporting events, but also in other incidents unrelated to any match.
The arrested individuals are charged with alleged offenses ranging from public disorder, affray, and assault to crimes against fundamental rights and public liberties, and belonging to a criminal group, given that many of these collectives operate under hierarchical structures and with premeditation in their violent actions.
The predominant profile of those arrested corresponds to males, between 18 and 40 years old, with prior records for public order offenses, and linked to radical factions of various ideologies
Strategic Prevention: Neutralizing "Hangouts"
In addition to arrests for completed offenses, the National Police emphasizes the effectiveness of its preventive strategy. The work of the Intelligence groups has made it possible to detect and dismantle numerous planned confrontations between rival ultra groups
These preventive interventions, developed thanks to the coordination between police services, the monitoring of radicals' movements to other cities, and their subsequent interception, identification, and control, have prevented several confrontations
This has helped protect not only the fans who peacefully attend stadiums but also the rest of the citizenry and prevent damage to public property. Dangerous objects such as extendable batons, flares, pyrotechnic material, and mouthguards have been seized in several of these operations, confirming the violent nature of these gatherings
An example between Atlético de Madrid and Sevilla C.F.
A notable example took place on November 1, 2025, during the match between Atlético de Madrid and Sevilla C.F. in Madrid. The joint action of the General Information Police Station, the Provincial Information Brigade, and Citizen Security services prevented violent confrontation between the ultra groups “Frente Atlético” and “Biris Norte”. In addition, a large amount of material was located, hidden among bushes in an area frequented by Frente Atlético, which would allegedly be used to attack their rivals.
Another relevant incident occurred on November 30, 2025, two days before the match between Sevilla C.F. and Real Betis Balompié. The National Police became aware of a "meet-up" between "Biris Norte," "United Family," and "Supporters Gol Sur." The rapid deployment of public security units led to the arrest of fourteen extremists and the seizure of materials intended for a brawl.
Prevention in international matches and lower categories
Thanks to the collaboration between police services from different countries, violent clashes between fan groups have also been prevented internationally.
This is what happened during the Conference League match between SK Slovan Bratislava and Rayo Vallecano, which took place in Slovakia on November 28, 2025, when the National Police Information units provided relevant data to the Slovak police services regarding the movement of members of "Bukaneros" to Bratislava. This information ultimately thwarted a likely confrontation between them and the radical group "Ultras Slovan," who hold opposing extreme ideologies.
Preventive work also extends to lower divisions and other sports. Thus, a reinforced operation during the match between Talavera Club de Fútbol and Club Deportivo Careño, held on November 30, 2025, in Talavera de la Reina (Toledo), made it possible to neutralize a violent confrontation between radical fans of both teams. During the operation, a large amount of material that would have been used in the brawl was seized
The National Police reminds that it maintains a "zero tolerance" policy towards extremist and violent behavior. Likewise, the involvement of other institutions and organizations such as the hate crimes and discrimination unit of the State Attorney General's Office or LALIGA is highlighted.
