32 British Football Fans Arrested in Armenia Ahead of Wales Match

A total of 32 Welsh football fans were arrested today in Yerevan prior to the Euro 2024 qualifying match. This information was reported by the BBC.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has confirmed the arrests, stating, "FAW is aware of the situation regarding our fans in Yerevan. We are in discussions with the police and the Football Supporters' Association."

One fan recounted, "We were walking back to our hotel last night, and police cars drove straight at us, arrested us, and held us in custody until today, 3:30 PM." Fans reported poor treatment at the police station, noting there was no water or access to a phone. “There was no explanation for why we were arrested; we kept asking questions but received no answers. We have not slept at all and are furious," shared another supporter.

Consultations are ongoing through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well. According to British media, around 1,200 fans of the British football team are currently in Yerevan.

One fan remarked, "I heard they claim there was a fight among Welsh fans, but we obviously know nothing about it, and I doubt that it happened, but that is what they are telling us." It is believed that many fans were arrested on Friday, and some were released on Saturday at 3:00 PM, just before the match started. British fans have reported that around 25 fans were stopped against a wall, photographed, and laughed at.

One of the supporters recounted that while in the police car, law enforcement officers punched him in the face.