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Spain
Riots in Barcelona after Champions League final
Article published on the 2009-05-28 Latest update 2009-05-28 11:27 TU
Policemen in Barcelona confront supporters after celebrations early on 28 May
(Photo: Reuters)
More than 150 people were injured and 23 were sent to hospital after riots broke out in Barcelona. Police arrested 134 people.
About 100,000 fans celebrated in the streets of Barcelona, after their club’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United in Rome.
The party began peacefully with people shooting fireworks and blowing horns in the main streets of the Catalan capital. Shortly after midnight, dozens of young over-excited fans started clashing with riot police, throwing bottles and burning public bins.
Police formed a barrier around Las Ramblas, one of the city’s main streets. They set up barricades to protect shops and fired shots in the air as youths started to charge at them.
Catalans also celebrated wildly in the Spanish capital, some jumping into the fountain on Plaza Cibeles where Real Madrid fans usually gather.
This year, Barcelona have won the Spanish league, the Spanish Cup on top of the Champions League.
Alex Ferguson’s side lost out to a goal after 10 minutes from Samuel Eto'o, before Lionel Messi made it 2 in the 70th minute.
“We didn’t plan to lose a goal as early as that, but it was a fact, and we didn’t deal with it well enough,” said Ferguson after the game. “There’s a disappointment in the performance, and some individuals will feel it themselves,” he added.
Ferguson criticised his team’s defensive performance.
“It was a bad goal to lose, and if you look at our best performances this season it’s when we have defended really well, and tonight the defending, it has to be said, was shoddy,” said the Manchester United manager.
