Terrorists Attack Real Madrid Supporters in Iraq

Some heartbreaking news today. Members of a Real Madrid supporters group in Balad, Iraq were attacked and gunned down by terrorists with AK-47s.

About 50 Madridistas were at their supporter headquarters where they gather “for coffee and to watch old Real Madrid games when there isn’t any live football on.” As of this writing, 16 people are dead and 20 wounded, some of them seriously.

The team has issued a statement.

FROM REALMADRID.COM

Real Madrid C. F. deeply regrets the terrible attack in Iraq which today saw 16 members of a Real Madrid supporters club lose their lives and which has also left over 20 injured.

The club expresses its great sadness and offers its regards and condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

Real Madrid extends all of its solidarity to the people of Iraq, who suffer the excessive injustices of extreme violence.

The Real Madrid players will tomorrow wear symbolic black armbands as a sign of their mourning and respect. Football and sport shall always be spaces in which to come together and in which harmony and peace reign and with which no form of barbaric terrorism will be able to compete.

Today Madridismo across the whole world cries for its supporters, who shall never be forgotten.

Around the world, Madridistas gather together to celebrate our love for Los Blancos. For most of us this is, at the very least, a weekly part of our routine – something that we look forward to. Not just for the game, but to share that camaraderie and sense of belonging that comes with being a supporter. Being together is like a safe space where you can be yourself and let loose with others like you. So to hear about our fellow Madridistas being attacked in what is essentially their second home is particularly evocative. When my crew gathers together to watch the match tomorrow, these Madridistas along with their families & friends will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Senseless and tragic. May they rest in peace.

– Lozil