A Celtic fan was left needing stitches and staples in his head after he claims he was assaulted by Spanish police in an 'unprovoked' attack.
Ange Postecoglou's Hoops were in the nation's capital this week for their final Champions League Group F fixture against Real Madrid.
It had brought claims of travelling supporters being thrown off trains pre-game as the match was deemed 'high-risk' by Spain's State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport - known as 'Antiviolencia' in the country.
Dave Moir was in Madrid on Tuesday afternoon with dad Derek, and Derek's partner Jaz. They and other supporters had gathered at O'Reilly's Irish Bar to enjoy a few drinks, they told the Daily Record., when Spanish cops in riot gear allegedly charged at Celtic supporters.
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Moir says he tried to get out of the way but got three strikes - two to the back of his head and one to his forehead. His dad, meanwhile, was trampled.
He said: "The police came out of nowhere and marched us into a corner. There was no trouble at all prior to this. Everything that was taking place was good natured. But the cops were so controlling and heavy handed for no reason at all.
"There were lots of families there, women and young kids, it wasn't just a rowdy bunch of blokes. We began shouting to the officers asking them 'Why, why?' and we put our hands up to show we meant no harm.
"We backed away as far as we could, but then they stormed at us and started beating us up. After I was attacked a couple of Celtic fans picked me up and took me to a bar, then the staff there bandaged me up.
"But when we got back to our hotel I took the bandage off and realised my injuries were really bad so we had to head to A&E. I'm glad I went because I ended up getting staples and stitches after a local anaesthetic."
Video footage from the scene where Dave was injured showed riot cops armed with shields and batons approaching Celtic fans sitting at street tables outside a pub. The officers were seen to push the fans with their batons and shields in an attempt to herd them away from the tables.
Dave added: "There's a man on the ground at the end of that video clip. That is my dad. He got whacked on his back and his hand and suffered some bruising.
"His partner was okay, but only because she was being protected by other fans. I got the worst of it."
MSP for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn Bob Doris said: "I am aware of allegations of heavy handedness by Spanish Police. It is concerning to learn this incident has resulted in the serious injury of a supporter uninvolved in the altercation and assaulted by officers simply for being present. Of course the entire matter should be investigated and I very much hope Celtic Football Club will also do its part also to ensure lessons are learned."
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