Thousands of Basque Fans Cause Chaos in Seville During Copa del Rey Final: Police Clashes, ETA Chants and Anthem Jeers

26,000 Basque Fans Descend on Seville

More than 26,000 Real Sociedad supporters travelled 1,800 kilometres from San Sebastián to Seville for the Copa del Rey final, where multiple incidents of disruption occurred throughout the day.

Police Clashes on Puente de Triana

Riot police engaged with rowdy fans on the Puente de Triana bridge, where chants of profanities directed at Spain and the national team were reported. Piles of discarded cans and cups were later photographed scattered across Seville's streets following the supporters' visit.

Anthem Booed in Front of King Felipe

At the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium, numerous supporters booed Spain's national anthem during the pre-match ceremony attended by King Felipe. Photographs captured the monarch's impassive expression as whistles drowned out the music.

ETA Chants Go Viral

In a separate incident captured on video, a group of Real Sociedad fans was filmed singing what appeared to be references to the Basque separatist organisation ETA. The chant went: "We are the band from Anoeta, ETA!"

The video circulated widely on social media, sparking considerable outrage among users who interpreted it as glorifying the terrorist group responsible for over 800 deaths before announcing a permanent ceasefire in 2011.

Real Sociedad's official social media account initially shared the video before removing it as public objections mounted.

Otegi's Call to 'Show We Are Basque, Not Spanish'

The trip followed comments by Arnaldo Otegi, secretary general of Basque nationalist party EH Bildu, who encouraged Real Sociedad supporters to "show that we are Basque, not Spanish" during the high-profile match and to fill the stadium with Basque flags "as a message to the king."

Real Sociedad Win on Penalties

On the pitch, Real Sociedad ultimately claimed victory 3–4 over Atletico Madrid following a penalty shootout, marking their first trophy in six years and their second Copa del Rey title since 2020.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published April 20, 2026.