Osasuna Forms Independent Inquiry Committee, Rejects Fan 'Criminalization' After El Sadar Incidents

The board of directors of Spanish club Osasuna approved the formation of an independent investigation committee to examine the events that occurred in the South Stand of El Sadar stadium following the recent match against Real Madrid. This decision was made during an extraordinary meeting held on February 25, 2026. The move aims to address the security tensions that followed the encounter and clarify the facts related to the situations that took place in the stadium's South Stand.

In an official statement, the club's management affirmed its categorical rejection of what it described as the "criminalization" of its fan base by certain parties, commending the civilized behavior of the majority of supporters present in the stands. The Osasuna board of directors stated, “The management wishes to commend the civil behavior of the vast majority of spectators who attended last Saturday's match at El Sadar stadium, and we reject the criminalization campaign launched by some sectors.” The club considers these pressures unfair. The new committee comprises Mikel Vivanco, Indika Rodríguez, and Celso Gallar. The management added that "it was decided to create a committee that will be responsible for conducting the investigation announced last Saturday with the greatest possible independence and guarantees" to ensure the integrity of the results.

The committee will be tasked with analyzing testimonies and collecting statements from witnesses and relevant parties. It will also have the authority to propose preventative measures to avoid the recurrence of such situations in the future. Club officials expressed deep concern over the violent images and scenes of panic experienced by fans while leaving the stadium, necessitating urgent action to identify the shortcomings that led to these regrettable incidents.

In a parallel move, Osasuna officials intend to request a meeting with the Spanish Government of Navarre to discuss the security leadership for events jointly hosted at El Sadar stadium. This initiative seeks to reach an agreement on which entity should manage the security system, ensuring fan safety and preventing any organizational confusion in upcoming football fixtures.