ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—Champions League victors Real Madrid have dedicated their win to Iraqi fans of the club, 12 of whom were killed in an Islamic State attack earlier in May.
“In moments as emotional as this, I would like to dedicate this win to our fans in Iraq, who show the true values of madridismo,” Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid, told media after his team won the title on Saturday.
On the night of Friday May 13, fans of Real Madrid were gathered at a café in Balad, north of Baghdad, to watch a football match when ISIS attacked with gunfire and grenades. Twelve fans were killed at the café and four security forces pursuing the gunmen were killed when the militants exploded suicide belts. Another 30 people were wounded.
The following day, Real Madrid players wore black armbands during their match and the club condemned the killings, stating “Real Madrid extends its solidarity to the people of Iraq, who suffer the excessive injustices of extreme violence.”
The Spanish foreign ministry condemned the killings. “This a particularly heinous act because the aim of the terrorists were civilians who gathered for the sole purpose of following a sporting event,” read a statement from the ministry.
In dedicating their win to Iraqi fans, Real Madrid has played tribute to Iraqis, for whom the simple act of gathering to watch a football match is an act of bravery given the insecurity they live with every day.
Real Madrid beat Atlético Madrid 5-3 in penalties Saturday to claim their eleventh Champions League title.
“In moments as emotional as this, I would like to dedicate this win to our fans in Iraq, who show the true values of madridismo,” Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid, told media after his team won the title on Saturday.
On the night of Friday May 13, fans of Real Madrid were gathered at a café in Balad, north of Baghdad, to watch a football match when ISIS attacked with gunfire and grenades. Twelve fans were killed at the café and four security forces pursuing the gunmen were killed when the militants exploded suicide belts. Another 30 people were wounded.
The following day, Real Madrid players wore black armbands during their match and the club condemned the killings, stating “Real Madrid extends its solidarity to the people of Iraq, who suffer the excessive injustices of extreme violence.”
The Spanish foreign ministry condemned the killings. “This a particularly heinous act because the aim of the terrorists were civilians who gathered for the sole purpose of following a sporting event,” read a statement from the ministry.
In dedicating their win to Iraqi fans, Real Madrid has played tribute to Iraqis, for whom the simple act of gathering to watch a football match is an act of bravery given the insecurity they live with every day.
Real Madrid beat Atlético Madrid 5-3 in penalties Saturday to claim their eleventh Champions League title.
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