Spanish Police Report 139 Arrests, 511 Ejections At Top Football Matches In '13

Spain's national police force, which held an annual meeting with security coordinators from La Liga and second division clubs, revealed that during the last season, "there were a total of 139 arrests and 511 ejections for fights or racial behavior at games, primarily in La Liga," according to the EFE. Spain's National Sports Office, which worked with the State Committee Against Violence, also indicated that "there were 767 requests for sanctions, which was 224 less than during the previous season." Last season, 60 matches were declared "high-risk," 26 from La Liga, with this number "also representing a decrease from the previous year." The National Police "increased its presence at football matches by 5.7%, using 24,840 agents for match security" after using 20,916 during the '11-12 season. National Police Dir General Ignacio Cosidó said, "Spain sets an example in managing security at major sporting events thanks to the specialization, coordination and efficiency of the agents involved" (EFE, 11/21).