Police in Sevilla have uncovered a new piece of gear used by football hooligans in a major security operation ahead of the Copa del Rey final.
From the outside, they look like ordinary baseball caps, nbut inside, they are lined with hard protective material designed to shield the head from blows, including impacts from objects like wooden sticks or metal bars.
Authorities say it’s the first time this type of item has been seized in Sevilla and possibly anywhere in Spain.
The caps were confiscated from Real Sociedad ultras, according to government subdelegate Francisco Toscano.
‘They appear to be normal caps, but inside they contain protective elements,’ he said.
‘It’s a new material being used as defence in potential confrontations, and we will investigate whether its use is becoming more widespread among these groups.’
The discovery has raised concerns about increasing organisation and preparation for violent clashes among rival fan factions.
Weapons haul and mass identifications
Police carried out multiple interventions across the city and surrounding areas, seizing a wide range of dangerous items from travelling ultra groups.
A group linked to Atletico Madrid supporters was intercepted near La Carlota (Cordoba), where 91 individuals were identified after being stopped while travelling by coach.
Officers recovered knives, sticks, chains, a gun holster, balaclavas and other objects.
Meanwhile, in Sevilla’s historic centre, further searches uncovered an arsenal including:
– 12 helmets
– A knuckle duster
– 31 flares and 19 flare launchers
– Pepper spray
– Protective vests and anti-stab gear
– Dozens of reinforced motorcycle gloves
– Mouth guards and ultra-themed clothing
In one of the most striking finds, police seized a box containing 95 iron bars.
Some of the material had reportedly been transported over 1,000km, underlining the level of planning involved.
Massive security operation underway
The crackdown comes as Sevilla braces for the Copa del Rey final, with a huge security deployment across the city.
A total of 1,617 National Police officers have been mobilised, alongside 679 Guardia Civil agents and 230 Local Police officers.
All operations are being coordinated from the city’s central command unit (CECOP), where authorities are monitoring events in real time.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
