Harassment Incidents Mar Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia

Disturbing reports have emerged of harassment and inappropriate behavior towards Spanish football fans during the Spanish Super Cup semifinal between Real Madrid and Mallorca in Saudi Arabia. Several supporters who traveled from Spain to attend the match have come forward with alarming accounts of their experiences.

According to testimonies, female fans were subjected to unwanted touching and non-consensual photography by local spectators. One Mallorca supporter named Pere described the situation as “very unpleasant,” detailing how fans were accosted and photographed without permission while exiting the stadium. He emphasized that women in particular faced inappropriate physical contact.

Cristina Palavra, wife of Mallorca player Dani Rodriguez, also reported harassment incidents. She described feeling vulnerable due to lack of security, stating that local men aggressively approached and photographed the players’ families, including children. Other players’ partners shared similar experiences of being accosted and filmed without consent.

The victims cited inadequate security measures, with Spanish fans feeling unprotected and exposed to provocations throughout the match. There are calls for the Spanish Football Federation to address these serious concerns about fan safety at the tournament.

These troubling reports have cast a shadow over the Spanish Super Cup event in Saudi Arabia, raising questions about the appropriateness of the venue and the measures in place to ensure spectator wellbeing. The incidents highlight the need for stronger safeguards to protect visiting fans, especially women, from harassment and maintain a safe environment for all attendees of international football events.