Sevilla have promised to take prompt action against a supporter who ran on to the field and tried to assault Real Betis keeper Toni Prats during Sunday’s league derby.
The fan came on to the pitch and headed for Prats, jumped on his back, before being led away by security guards.
Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido said that the club should not be punished for the behaviour of one supporter, as Sevilla had done all in their powers to ensure the game passed off peacefully.
‘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,’ Del Nido said in a statement.
‘The individual that ran out on to the field has already been identified and he will be expelled from the club.’
The Spanish Football Federation, who in the past have adopted a hardline appproach to crowd misbehaviour, will investigate the incident. It would not be without precedent for them to force Sevilla to play a future home match away from the city.
The match finished in a 1-1 draw.
