Real Betis plan to defy a two-match ban and play Saturday’s match against Barcelona at their Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) handed Betis a two-match stadium ban after Saturday’s home match against Athletic Bilbao was abandoned when Bilbao goalkeeper Armando was struck by a bottle thrown from the stands.
But Betis, whose appeal against the ban and the €9,000 fine is due to be held on Thursday, are refusing to play the match outside Seville at the disused Olympic Stadium.
Betis’ legal adviser Manuel Castano told El Mundo: “It is practically impossible for a stadium like La Cartuja, which is in a poor condition, to be ready in 72 hours to host a game like Betis-Barcelona.
“Then there are important security issues, plus the matter of where to place the supporters.”
