Two Real Sociedad fans were arrested by Spain’s Guardia Civil on Monday morning after being intercepted on the A-66 highway near Mérida while returning from Sevilla, where they had attended the Copa del Rey final the previous night.
The incident occurred around 4:01 p.m. Local time on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, when Guardia Civil officers responded to multiple reports of smoke columns along the autovía A-66 near Mérida. Initial alerts suggested a possible traffic accident or fire, prompting officers to investigate the stretch of road.
Upon arrival, agents observed a vehicle with its front passenger leaning halfway out of the window, launching flares at other drivers. This forced nearby motorists to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Simultaneously, the driver was seen zigzagging within their lane, creating a significant hazard for surrounding traffic.
After signaling the vehicle to stop, officers conducted an inspection and discovered more than 11 kilograms of various pyrotechnic materials inside the car. Both individuals — identified as residents of San Sebastián — were detained on charges of reckless driving and endangering road safety.
authorities are considering an administrative sanction for violating regulations governing pyrotechnic articles and cartridges, given the quantity and type of material recovered.
The arrests follow a high-tension Copa del Rey final held in Sevilla the evening before, though neither team involved in the match has been specified in official reports. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fan behavior and the misuse of flares during football-related travel, particularly after high-profile matches.
Guardia Civil units routinely monitor major highways following large sporting events to prevent disturbances and ensure public safety. Their intervention in this case underscores the risks posed by combining impaired driving with the irresponsible use of explosive devices in moving vehicles.
As of now, no further details have been released regarding the legal proceedings against the two suspects or potential bans from attending future matches. The case remains under investigation by local authorities in Mérida, with coordination from regional traffic safety offices.
Real Sociedad has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. The club typically emphasizes responsible fan conduct and collaborates with law enforcement to promote safety during away fixtures.
For ongoing updates on this developing story and other La Liga-related news, readers are encouraged to follow official club communications and verified sports news outlets.
Stay tuned to Archysport for the next confirmed checkpoint in Spanish football, including upcoming match schedules and disciplinary announcements from the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
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