Maltese supporters attending the national team’s match against Spain on Friday accused Spanish authorities of treating them like prisoners.

The Malta national football team's official supporters club, known as South End Core, said Maltese fans had their flags and drums confiscated by ground officials.

Over 100 Maltese football fans made trip to Spain to attend the game in Cadiz, where Malta was defeated 7-0.

In a statement published on their Facebook page, the South End Core said that they had their equipment taken away just before the match, despite having made the necessary arrangements with UEFA beforehand. 

"One hour before the game, we were treated like prisoners and persons from a third world country," South End Core said in a statement.

"They took away all our flags, drums and a pushchair carrying a little girl, for which we had obtained permission.

"We applied for all the permits both through UEFA and the Spanish Football Association. A lot of communication that went down the drain.

"This is the respect that we have received from the Spaniards."

The supporters' group sent a message to the Malta Football Association, saying "this is the last time that we will travel with the national team if the MFA will not take action on this incident."