Seville's derby disgrace
Monday, October 7, 2002
Article summary
Spanish police have made three arrests after trouble flared at the Seville derby on Sunday night.
Article body
Double trouble
Police have detained the supporter who jumped on to Prats's back eight minutes into the match at Sevilla FC's Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, as well as the fan responsible for an assault on a security guard shortly before kick-off.
Crowd disturbances
A third person was taken into custody after trouble outside the stadium. But with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) set to launch an inquiry, Sevilla president José María del Nido insisted the club had done all they could to avoid a repeat of the disturbances which had marred last season's meetings of the sides.
Two-match suspension
Betis were handed a two-match stadium suspension following trouble at their Benito Villamarín stadium last March. However, Del Nido said: "I don't believe the stadium will be closed [by the RFEF] because the club and the local government representative did everything to make sure nothing happened."
'Individual expelled'
Del Nido also vowed to ban for life Prats's aggressor. "The individual who ran on to the pitch has been identified and will be expelled from the club." The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Seville is to host the 2003 UEFA Cup final next May at the city's Olympic Stadium.
