Dubai Police make arrests after fans involved in fighting at UAE Pro League football match
Dubai Police on Wednesday said they had made arrests after violent scenes involving football fans at a UAE Pro League game over the weekend.
Fans of Shabab Al Ahli clashed with Al Wasl supporters after the final whistle at Zabeel Stadium on Saturday.
Videos on social media showed people throwing stones and brawling outside the ground.
Another video showed fans confronting Shabab Al Ahli defender Bogdan Planic, prompting security staff to intervene, as the player approached the team bus.
Dubai Police confirmed the arrests of "individuals involved in the post-match disturbances" after an investigation into the unrest.
Maj Gen Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, assistant commander-in-chief for operations at the force, said police combed through surveillance video and analysis to identify those involved.
Police did not say how many people were arrested.
"Legal action has been taken against the individuals involved, and they have been referred to the competent authorities for further proceedings," he said.
He warned football supporters against "unruly behaviour in stadiums" and reiterated the police's duty to upholding public safety at sporting events.
"Sporting events are intended to bring enjoyment and foster healthy competition in a spirit of mutual respect among fans," he said.
"Stadiums must remain spaces of camaraderie and joy, not arenas of conflict and aggression.
"We will continue to take legal action against anyone violating security protocols or fan conduct regulations," he added.
Clubs punished
The UAE Football Association on Tuesday issued orders and punishments to both clubs.
Shabab Al Ahli was fined Dh 70,000 for their fans' abusive language, for their throwing of water bottles at rival supporters and on to the pitch.
A fine of Dh80,000 was given to Al Wasl after their supporters lit smoke flares, used abusive language and also threw water bottles.
'There was some arguments and inappropriate language between the fans,' said Faisal Al Shehhi, 42, a Shabab Al Ahli supporter, told The National.
Fans were arguing on social media before the game, according to Mr Al Shehhi, with tensions spilling over after the match.
'My wish is never to see such thing in our stadiums,' he said.
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