Peru MLS player detained during police incident in Spain

Peru national team players and police got into a bit of pushing match Monday night in Spain. The team is currently in Spain to play a friendly match against Morocco on Tuesday. Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium is set to host the matchup.

Chaos broke out between the Peruvians and police while the team was greeted by fans at a hotel. Fans cheered and sang for the players inside of the hotel lobby. However, a police officer then grabbed one of the players and pushed him backwards. A scuffle between the two sides then ensued for a short period of time.

MLS player detained by police for involvement in clash

One of the players involved was Orlando City SC’s Pedro Gallese. The goalkeeper is currently Peru’s team captain. Gallese was taken into police custody and interrogated by authorities for the incident. The 33-year-old shot-stopper was, however, released from custody and is expected to feature in the Morocco match on Wednesday.

Maria de las Mercedes González Fernández, a police spokeswoman, claimed that Gallese was arrested in an issued statement on the ordeal. “The supporters tried to reach the players and police got in the middle between the fans and the players to avoid a crush,” a Spanish police spokeswoman said. “A player hit an officer in the eye. The player was then detained and taken to a police station.”

The spokeswoman also stated that the players were asked not to move towards the crowd of fans. “Even so, some players went out to be with them and, at some point, there was a confrontation between a player and riot police officer, and there was an assault, which caused the arrest of the player,” continued de las Mercedes González Fernández.

Peru officials fully support goalkeeper in Spain police

Nevertheless, the Peruvian Football Federation has backed Gallese. The organization claims that they support the player and have accompanied him “since the incident occurred.” The PFF also made it clear that they “are respectful of the authorities and the procedures of each country that we visit.”

Earlier on Monday, a Spanish hotel employee was arrested for racially abusing a Moroccan player on social media. The aforementioned police spokeswomen has hinted that the man would be charged with a hate crime.

PHOTO: IMAGO / MIS