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MTV’s Mayhem In Madrid
An MTV concert billed as “Mayhem In Madrid” turned out to be just that, although not in the way organisers were hoping.
Eleven people were arrested when disturbances broke out when the free-entry event Sept. 22 closed its doors to avoid going over capacity.
About 60 people sustained minor injuries as scuffles broke out in the streets outside the venue and people began throwing bottles.
Riot police, some on horseback, were called in after a group of youths burned containers full of trash and threw bottles, provoking the charge by security forces.
Several parked cars were damaged in the unrest and blazing objects were placed in the road to obstruct the arrival of police vehicles.
Hundreds of youngsters ran away from the scene as police vans began to arrive, according to video footage on the Europa Press website.
The Madrid police said the local council, which co-sponsored the event for Spanish indie acts, was surprised by its popularity. The police also said it would provide extra security for a similar event scheduled for the next day in the same building.
MTV released a statement that said “unfortunately, the evening was marred by a riot that occurred outside the venue” and added that it condemned all acts of violence.