I was worried for fans - Joaquin Caparros
Athletic Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros admits his side were more concerned for the safety of their fans rather than themselves after crowd disturbances marred their Europa League victory over Austria Vienna.
Play was suspended for almost 30 minutes during the second half of Thursday night's game following ugly disturbances in the stands at the Franz Horr Stadion just after Athletic had gone 2-0 up through Mikel San Jose's 62nd-minute strike.
The match was initially stopped after a shower of objects were thrown onto the pitch, and then the Athletic players raced to the changing rooms as supporters from the home section climbed over a barrier and invaded the playing surface.
Riot police formed a line just outside the penalty area while the Austria team spoke with the supporters to try to calm the situation.
Caparros said: "We were not afraid for ourselves, but for our fans, for our people. We worry about our people, who came to see a show and enjoy watching their team and you feel that there could have been a major incident.
"It's a bad image for football. The behaviour of the professionals from Austria was perfect, but we need to stop this, because those of us that love this sport cannot allow it to have this image."
Eventually the match was able to restart after the lengthy delay, and in the remaining time Athletic created further chances before Spain striker Fernando Llorente netted his second of the game to seal a 3-0 win.
The victory meant Athletic joined Group L leaders Werder Bremen in going through to the last 32 of the Europa League, and the two teams will face each other for top spot at San Mames in the final round of matches.
"It's very important victory. We've taken a little step forward, we've achieved an objective and I think the image of the team was very good," added Caparros.
"The important thing is to enjoy it. We are in the next round with some of Europe's biggest teams. We are excited, our fans our excited."
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