Sevilla face stadium ban
Wednesday, October 9, 2002
Article summary
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has charged Sevilla FC with serious public order offences.
Article body
Grounds for closure
Under Article 109 of the RFEF rules, Sevilla's Sánchez Pizjuán stadium could be closed for between four games and a season with the club receiving an accompanying fine of anything up to €12,000.
Decision day looms
Sevilla have two days to answer the charge. On Friday the RFEF will meet to fix the punishment, after which the club can register an appeal. The RFEF will use as evidence reports from the match referee and stadium security manager as well as television footage showing a fan assaulting a steward inside the ground.
Prats involved
That and the attempt by another supporter to attack Real Betis Balompié goalkeeper Toni Prats were the most "serious incidents", although the RFEF was also unhappy that flares were brought into the stadium. The match between Sevilla and Betis ended in a 1-1 draw.
Betis banned
The RFEF closed third division Club Gimnàstic Tarragona's ground for six matches after a series of disturbances during a game against CP Ejido. Betis themselves are serving a two-match stadium ban after trouble at last season's Seville derby.
UEFA Cup final
Seville will host this season's UEFA Cup final at the city's Olympic Stadium. The game is due to take place on 21 May 2003.
