Revealed: How UEFA plan to keep Man United and Spurs fans apart with tens of thousands set to travel to Bilbao for Europa League final

Bilbao is braced for an invasion of tens of thousands of English fans when Manchester United and Tottenham clash in the Europa League final in 11 days’ time.

A major security operation will be launched for the showpiece game between the two Premier League rivals at the Estadio de San Mames on May 21.

Both clubs will be allocated 15,000 tickets at the 53,000-capacity venue, but many more supporters are expected to make the trip to the relatively small Basque city.

UEFA confirmed on Friday that the game will go ahead in Bilbao because it would not be logistically possible to switch to a bigger venue at short notice, and have advised fans without tickets not to travel.

Special measures were put in place last week for the first leg of United’s semi-final against Athletic Bilbao after trouble flared when Glasgow Rangers played there in April, leading to 13 injuries and six arrests.

All police leave was cancelled and scores of riot police in distinctive red helmets were deployed in the area around the stadium for United’s 3-0 win, some armed with guns.

Ruben Amorim’ side completed a 7-1 aggregate victory at Old Trafford on Thursday night, while Tottenham went through 5-1 against Bodo/Glimt.

Another huge security operation is expected for the final on the north coast of Spain as thousands of supporters descend on Bilbao by air, road and even sea.

Greater Manchester Police and The Met are liaising with the local Ertzaintza and will send officers to Spain for the game.

UEFA has also widened its discussions with the authorities and both clubs, while it’s understood Tottenham had people in Bilbao on Friday carrying out logistical work.

A UEFA spokesman told Mail Sport: ‘We are always working with the two clubs, their respective authorities and police as well as the local authorities and police of the final venue to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.’

Concerns have been raised about staging such a big game in a city with a population of just 345,000 and a modestly-sized airport.

The San Mames was awarded the final because Bilbao had to give up hosting games at Euro 2020 due to Covid and was replaced by the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.

In addition to the limited number of fans from United and Spurs who will be able to buy tickets, 11,000 will go on general sale with the remaining 12,000 reserved for sponsors and hospitality packages.

UEFA will separate the two teams and their supporters by designating hotels, training grounds and fan-zones in different areas around the city. United were hoping to return to the five-star Melia Hotel where they stayed last week, but the decision has been taken out of their hands.

The scramble for tickets, accommodation and travel intensified on Friday as prices continued to rise. 

Direct flights were going for about £1,500 return while some fans are expected to drive to Bilbao and others to make the 33-hour crossing by ferry from Portsmouth.

Spurs said they will email fans who have been successful in getting their hands on a ticket with travel advice and plans.