Madrid, May 14 (IANS): Spanish fooball giants Real Madrid have regretted "the terrible attack" that targeted Real Madrid supporters' club in Iraq on Friday, claiming the lives of 16 people and wounding more than 20.

The Madrid club expressed its "full sadness" and "offered their affection and condolences to the families and friends of the victims," the club said in a statement.

The club also extended its solidarity to all people of Iraq who "suffer excessive injustice of extreme violence", reports Efe.

On the last day of the season when Real Madrid play in Riazor against Deportivo La Coruna, the players will wear black armbands in mourning.

Meanwhile the Spanish government also issued a statement condemning the attack and described it as an abhorrent act by terrorists targeting civilians who had gathered for the sole purpose of following a sporting event.

Armed men killed on Friday a group of young Real Madrid fans and wounded others in a cafe in the Iraqi city of Balad, north of Baghdad, home of the Spanish team's supporters' group.