Over 30 Welsh football fans were arrested in Armenia ahead of the European Championships qualifier. Around 1,200 supporters travelled to the capital of Yerevan for Saturday’s match. The Football Association of Wales confirmed that 32 fans had been arrested, while the Foreign Office is involved.
Local South Wales Police officers in Yerevan stated that all fans were released without charge and that they were working to determine what happened. Lefi Gruffudd, one of the supporters who was arrested, said it was a total shock after he was arrested following an enjoyable night out in the city with friends. “They treated us insultingly, no water, no cell, nothing through the night,” he said. “No explanation why we were arrested and we have been asking questions all the time but no answers. We haven’t slept at all and we’re angry.”
Many fans are believed to have been arrested on Friday but had been released by Saturday afternoon, with some still detained around kick-off time. The issue follows a warning from a female fan on Friday about a disturbing taxi journey where the driver allegedly got in the back with her and asked for “sexual favours” instead of payment.
In a statement, the Football Association of Wales said: “We are aware of the situation and we are in regular discussions with the traveling police and Football Supporters Association Cymru (FSA Cymru) monitoring the situation. FSA Cymru is the fan embassy who have contact with the local authorities as well as South Wales Police who are here to liaise with local law enforcement.” A delegation of Welsh police officers will continue to be visible to the traveling fans during this fixture, providing advice and keeping them safe.
A victory against Armenia could see Wales qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany, although if Croatia loses to Latvia, Wales would decline further participation. However, triumphs on Saturday and Tuesday against Turkey would secure the team’s ticket to the tournament regardless of other results
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