FOOTIE VIOLENCE
Wolves fan knocked out by Barcelona police during clash ahead of Europa League tie with Espanyol
SHOCKING video shows a British football fan unconscious in the street as Wolves supporters clashed with riot cops in Barcelona last night.
Officers with raised shields stepped over the injured man as they lined up against touring fans in an ugly confrontation.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers fan groups claimed police attacked them "for no reason" ahead of tonight's Europa League tie against Espanyol.
In videos posted online, city police with riot shields can been seen marching in ranks towards a group of chanting Brits as glass from a bar is heard crashing to the floor.
One clip - apparently filmed in an arcade off the famous Las Ramblas boulevard - appears to show the moments just after one fan was knocked unconscious.
Another Wolves supporter runs up to the line of officers, shouting and gesticulating with his arms before making an obscene gesture.
The cops retreat further up the alley and a number of fans step forward to check on the injured man.
Reports online said he spent the night in hospital but his condition was not known.
Another picture circulated online apparently shows a man with blood streaming down his face.
Clashes continued inside the RCDE Stadium during tonight's game, as footage showed stadium security surrounding a small group of supporters and appearing to restrain at least one fan.
Wolves fans blamed police and said they had been peacefully enjoying the city bars before the skirmishes, .
One told the paper: “They just attacked fans for no reason.“Police wanted to provoke trouble – it was unnecessary and total aggression for no reason.
"One lad ending his night in hospital.”
Another supporter added: "Police closed down the square and cornered all the fans in.
"Luckily we had just moved on from the square. Great atmosphere and no trouble at all until they arrived."
It comes after Wolves fans were attacked by Standard Liege supporters in Porto on last Europa League trip in November.
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They ran into further trouble at the Municipal Stadium in Braga.
Wolves complained to UEFA over the treatment of their supporters in Braga. Club officials will be taking notes in Barcelona.
Around 2,000 fans have tickets for tonight's match, which kicks kicks off at 5.55pm.
Violent scenes as Wolves fans are attacked by hooligans in Porto
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