Sevilla forced behind closed doors
Friday, October 11, 2002
Article summary
Sevilla FC must play four home matches behind closed doors after crowd trouble in last week's derby.
Article body
Sevilla FC have been ordered to play four Primera División matches behind closed doors at their Sánchez Pizjuán stadium.
Minimum punishment
The Competition Committee of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) decided to impose the minimum punishment on the Seville club following the incidents that marred last weekend's derby match against city rivals Real Betis Balompié.
'Very serious' incidents
Under Article 109 of the RFEF rules, the Sánchez Pizjuán could have been closed for the rest of the season after the "very serious" incidents last Sunday, which included a fan assaulting a steward and a pitch invader trying to attack Betis goalkeeper Toni Prats.
Fined €3,500
Instead, after almost five hours' deliberation, Sevilla were handed the four-match ban, together with a fine of €3,500.
