Real Betis fans racially abuse their own player

Real Betis may face punishment after fans were filmed aiming racist abuse at their own club’s defender Paulao after he was sent off during Sunday’s 4-0 city derby defeat at Sevilla.

Paulao picked up two quick bookings with the game at 1-0 just before half-time, and television footage of the incident (see below) appeared to show a number of fans directing ‘monkey noises’ towards the player.

Estadio Deportivo reported Paulao as telling reporters in the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan’s mixed zone that he was sorry for having cost his team the game, but apparently he was not asked about the behaviour of the ‘supporters’.

“I apologise to the fans and my teammates, I am the one responsible,” the Brazilian said. “We lost because of me. I had a yellow card and my will to win overcame me. The only thing I can do is apologise, because I did not remember I had the yellow.”

Sunday’s was not the first time Betis fans have abused  their own players – last year midfielder Nosa Igiebor reacting angrily after receiving similar abuse during the home derby match. He too apologised for his reaction.