131 people arrested in Erbil for recklessly firing weapons after El Clasico

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – Police arrested over one hundred people in Erbil following the El Clasico match for firing bullets into the air to celebrate, Erbil police said on Sunday.

In a press conference, the Director of Erbil Police Abdulkhaliq Talhat stated that on the night of April 23, many people inside and around Erbil recklessly fired their weapons into the air following the victory of Barcelona over Real Madrid.

“In some places, weapons like machine guns and BKC were used in celebratory gunfire,” he said.

“So far, Erbil police and security forces have arrested 131 in total; 56 were arrested by police, 75 by security,” Talhat added. He also mentioned they are still searching for more of those who fired weapons that night.

El Clasico is one of the most watched football matches not only in the Kurdistan Region but almost everywhere around the world.

Barcelona recorded a spectacular 3-2 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium following a last-minute goal from Lionel Messi. The win put Barcelona at the top of the La Liga standings.

“We have arrested some as young as 14 or 15-year-old. Upon investigation, it turned out they used their brother’s or father’s weapons,” Talhat continued. “Some of those interrogated said they did not even know what the match was about but wanted to participate in the shootings taking place in the night sky.”

He mentioned that most of the firearms were shot from people’s house rather than in public places.

The police also noted legal measures would be taken against those who fired the guns. “We hope what happened that night will not reoccur.”

Nine people were injured that night, four of them by gunshot, according to Erbil Health Director. 

Editing by G. H. Renaud