Tottenham fans warned of police action if you take one common item into Europa League final

Tottenham Hotspur fans in Bilbao for the final have received a firm warning: don't bring your vapes with you.

The San Mamés Stadium, Athletic Bilbao's home ground and the site of Wednesday night's much-anticipated final, has introduced a ban on e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco products, with serious penalties in place for those who fail to comply.

With a disappointing domestic campaign behind them, now find themselves with a golden opportunity – not just to lift their first major trophy in nearly two decades, but also to secure an unlikely place in next season's . As many as 80,000 supporters are estimated to have flooded into Bilbao, a city usually home to just 350,000 people.

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Fans making the journey with match tickets should be on high alert, however, as anyone caught using vape devices in or around the stadium could face immediate removal, fines, and even police involvement. While vaping is legal in Spain, local matchday restrictions are significantly more stringent at San Mamés for this event.

Dan Marchant, director at and co-founder of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), issued a clear advisory to those travelling. "If vaping is banned in the venue you're travelling to, it's best not to risk a fine or worse," he warned.

"Fans heading to Bilbao for the Europa League final need to be especially careful. Those attempting to enter with prohibited items could face eviction and be reported to the police."

Marchant also stressed: "Vaping within the stadium is prohibited, though there may be a designated smoking area. Check ahead of time, and don't risk using your vape in non-designated areas."

The list of restricted items at San Mamés is long. Along with vaping gear and e-liquids, attendees are banned from bringing in unauthorised cameras, balaclavas, ski masks, helmets, drones, flags or banners over two metres, food, drink, drugs, alcohol, weapons, flares, fireworks, smoke bombs, megaphones, bottles (glass or plastic), and large backpacks or holdalls.

For Tottenham, the final represents a rare shot at European glory and a chance to end a 17-year trophy drought. The last time Spurs lifted silverware was in 2008, when they beat to win the League Cup.

After a troubled campaign that sees them sitting 17th, just above the relegation zone, success tonight could dramatically reshape how the season is remembered. Their road to the final included a 3-1 aggregate win over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals, as well as narrow victories over Eintracht Frankfurt and AZ in previous rounds.

Yet despite this European run, uncertainty surrounds the future of manager . Reports indicate that – even if Spurs win the Europa League.

Postecoglou, who enjoyed a stellar start to his first season at at the club, has struggled to establish consistency as injuries and defensive issues plagued the campaign. Though fans have generally backed him, speculation continues to grow that chairman may opt for a managerial change regardless of tonight's result.

Their opponents, , have had a similarly-disappointing domestic season but cruised into the final with a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Bilbao. United, under new head coach , are aiming to secure their third consecutive season with a major trophy, following recent FA Cup and League Cup triumphs.

For Spurs supporters travelling to Spain, the atmosphere will be electric – but they'll need to stay sharp off the pitch as well as on it. With security tight and local enforcement ready to act, even seemingly minor offences like vaping in the wrong place could lead to fans missing the game altogether.

This final could be a defining moment for Tottenham. Silverware and Champions League qualification are within reach – but only if fans and players alike keep their focus from kick-off to full-time.