Anderlecht certainly won a prestigious victory, but a shadow tarnished this performance. Some of the club’s supporters behaved badly by throwing projectiles into a family area reserved for Spanish supporters.
A climate of tension broke out during the meeting between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht. The Real Sociedad visitors’ area was well protected, but breaches appeared in the glass wall which provided this protection. Projectiles were torn off and thrown through these gaps after Anderlecht conceded a goal. Among the supporters present were Basque families.
The police intervened and managed to restore order. During halftime, she made charges and arrested eight supporters.
During the press conference after the match, Anderlecht apologized to the Basques: “We strongly condemn the behavior of some of our supporters,” said Mathias Declercq, press manager of the club. “We are shocked and apologize to Real Sociedad. The UEFA official has opened a case, and we will take action to sanction the fans who acted wrongly.”
If my supporters had behaved in this way, my players would not have been able to go and greet them after the match.”
The home team’s coach, Imanol Alguacil, expressed his dissatisfaction: “The match should have been stopped. Many people did not come to the stadium due to fear of the Anderlecht fans.”
“If my supporters had behaved in this way, my players would not have been able to go and greet them after the match. The Sporting players celebrated their victory with their fans. I don’t understand. What happened is ashamed.”
“I hope that none of our supporters were injured and that Anderlecht supporters will be punished. Anderlecht’s goal came at a time when my players were disturbed by the incidents in the stands. I since my players were not comfortable on the pitch.”
