Violence mars celebrations in Barcelona

30 May,2011 09:05 AM IST |   |  AFP

Police detained 84 people during overnight celebrations in Barcelona to celebrate the Catalan side's Champions League win, police said yesterday


Police detained 84 people during overnight celebrations in Barcelona to celebrate the Catalan side's Champions League win, police said yesterday.

They were arrested for throwing objects, damaging bus shelters and other street furniture, public disorder or attacking police, Catalan police said in a statement.


A Bara fan is injured after unrest broke out during celebrations for
Barcelona's Champions League triumph at Plaza de Catalunya square,
in Barcelona on Saturday. PIC/AFP


Around 130 people were injured during the all-night celebrations, most of them lightly, a local emergency services spokeswoman said.

Thirty-seven police were among the injured.

Some 50,000 people packed Barcelona's central streets following the Catalan giant's 3-1 win over Manchester United at London's Wembley Stadium, according to the police statement.

They erupted into cheers, launched fireworks and brandished imitation trophies as first Pedro, then Lionel Messi and finally David Villa banged the ball into the net.

On the eve of the match, police cleared the Plaza de Catalunya of an encampment set up by hundreds of demonstrators decrying Spain's economic crisis, clashing with some who blocked city cleaning trucks.

Police said they had to dismantle the tents in readiness for the Barcelona victory party.

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Barcelona Fans Champions League Violence