Police officer dies in clashes before Athletic Bilbao v Spartak Moscow

APD NEWS

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A police officer died in Bilbao last night after clashes with Spartak Moscow fans before the Europa League match against Athletic Bilbao.

The officer died in hospital, where he had been taken following a heart attack that occurred when the regional Basque police force was trying to stop street battles between rival supporters. Five people were arrested.

Spartak won the second leg 2-1 but were knocked out 4-3 on aggregate after losing the first leg 3-1 in Moscow.

Russia hosts the World Cup this year and local authorities are putting strict security procedures in place to try to prevent violence, including from Russian fans who caused trouble at the 2016 European Championship in France.

(GUARDIAN)