A prominent Spanish football club has been slapped with a hefty fine and a three-game partial stadium closure after a chaotic scene unfolded during a highly anticipated derby match. The incident occurred when fans hurled objects onto the pitch, prompting a temporary suspension of play.
The match was halted midway through the second half, just four minutes after the visiting team took the lead, when fans began throwing lighters and plastic bottles onto the field. After a 15-minute delay, play resumed, and the home team managed to equalize, ultimately ending the game in a 1-1 draw.
The Spanish football federation’s competition committee handed down the punishment, which includes a €45,000 fine and the closure of a specific stand behind one of the stadium’s goals for three games. The club has the option to appeal the decision.
In response to the incident, the club has taken swift action, permanently banning one fan identified as being involved and working with authorities to locate others. Additionally, the club has announced plans to change its rules to prohibit fans from entering the stadium wearing clothing intended to conceal their identities, following reports of some fans wearing balaclavas during the match.
The club’s manager and captain condemned the fans’ actions, but also criticized the opposing team’s goalkeeper, suggesting that his celebration of the goal had provoked a reaction. The opposing team’s coach, however, praised the referee’s handling of the situation, calling it the “correct decision.”
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