Real Madrid dedicate Champions title to 16 late Iraqi fans

Real Madrid have paid their tribute to 16 fans killed by ISIS in Iraq during the UCL final.

At least 12 Real Madrid fans were killed by Islamic State militia in Baakouba during the Champions League final played on Saturday night.

The attack happened about 60 kilometers north of Baghdad and near the town of Balad, where 16 other people were killed on May 13 in similar fashion.

After winning their 11th UCL title, more than any other club in Europe, Los Blancos president Florentino Perez dedicated the win to the 16 fans who were murdered earlier this month by the terror group.

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He said: “I would like to dedicate this cup to our fans in Iraq.’’

The Spanish giants had also issued a statement of condolences to the friends, families and relatives of the deceased. It read:

“Real Madrid profoundly laments the terrible attack today in Iraq which has ended the life of 16 members of a Madrid fan club and that injured more than 20.

“The club expresses its total sadness and offers its thoughts and condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

“Real Madrid extends its solidarity to the people of Iraq, that suffers the injustice of extremist violence.

“Football and sports will always be places of meeting, harmony and peace which no savage terrorism will overcome.

“Madrid fans around the world weep today for its fans, who will never be forgotten.”

Regarding yesterday’s attack, AS reports that four armed men entered the premises just when the tightly-contested tie had ended, and the players from both sides were gearing up for post-match penalties. The terrorists then opened fire indiscriminately, killing 12 and injuring eight of the fans.

So far, no arrests have been made regarding the incident but the Iraqi authorities confirmed that it was an ISIS attack. It should be noted that no terror group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

 

 

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