Tensions got the better of supporters in Seville as Real Betis celebrated a huge win over rivals Sevilla at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in La Liga
Referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero speaks to Matias Almeyda and Manuel Pellegrini(Image: Getty Images)
The La Liga clash between rivals Real Betis and Sevilla was suspended on Sunday evening after players were targeted by missiles thrown from the stands by supporters. Betis were winning 2-0 away from home thanks to goals from Pablo Fornals and Sergi Altimira before the game was stopped.
As Sevilla were preparing to take a penalty in the closing stages of the derby, fans behind the goal threw objects towards Betis stopper Alvaro Valles. Betis defenders were seen kicking water bottles off the pitch so play could continue.
However, referee Jose Luis Mubuera Montero halted the proceedings and informed both Matias Almeyda and Manuel Pellegrini of his decision to suspend the game. The decision came after both teams had been warned about objects being thrown onto the pitch.
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The sending off of Sevilla’s Isaac Romero in the 84th minute for kicking Valentin Gomez was the turning point, with tensions in the stands heating up. An announcement that the game would resume 15 minutes after the stoppage was played out, followed by another reminder to supporters inside the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan that the game would be stopped if the behaviour continued.
Fortunately for Betis, the game eventually finished and they secured a hard-earned 2-0 win. Pellegrini’s men are now fifth in the La Liga table with Sevilla dropping to 13th.
Real Betis beat Sevilla 2-0 on Sunday after play was halted in the clash(Image: Getty Images)
Chants around the stadium calling for a change at board level were heard amid ongoing discontent at the club’s performance this season. As a result of the behaviour in Seville, a potential punishment could be imposed on Sevilla.
Previously, a fine and partial stadium closure for upcoming home games has been handed to other clubs with similar incidents. Last October, Atletico Madrid were given a three-game stadium ban after lighters were thrown at Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Atleti were also fined £45,000 before the Appeals Committee reduced the punishment imposed by the RFEF to less than £3,000, and the stadium ban was reduced to just one game.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Barcelona responded to their Champions League defeat to Chelsea with a 3-1 win over Alaves. Atletico also continued their impressive record with another victory against Real Oviedo.
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