WE EXPRESS OUR DISAGREEMENT TO THE DECISION TO PLAY THE MATCH TODAY, BUT WE WILL COMPLY WITH IT

Sevilla FC would like to express our absolute disagreement with the decision to resume our Round of 16 cup tie against Real Betis at 16:00, behind closed doors at the home team's ground. The match was suspended last night in the 39th minute due an object thrown from the stands that hit Joan Jordán in the head, resulting in him having to be treated at the Quirón Salud hospital.

Sevilla FC lodged an appeal this morning with the Appeals Committee of the Spanish Football Federation against the decision of the Sole Judge of Competition in the early hours of Sunday morning, requesting the revocation of the ruling. In its written statement, the club argued that if the match was resumed today, we would not be able to count on the assaulted player as Joan Jordán must remain under medical supervision. The Appeal Committee, composed of three members, have rejected our appeal, with one of the three members voting in favour of its rejection and the other two abstaining.

The Club wishes to once again show its support for Joan Jordán, a victim along with the team itself in this situation. Jordán is even more of a victim today as he cannot play in the match due to medical advice. We consider that the sensible and fair thing to do, in accordance with what should be a sporting competition, would be to look for a later date in which, at the very least, the player who suffered the aggression can play.

Despite all this, Sevilla FC, in an exercise of responsibility and out of respect for the Copa del Rey competition, the city of Seville and its own values, will abide by the decision of the disciplinary bodies and in defence of its sporting interests, will go to the Benito Villamarín to try to get a place in the quarter-finals for our fans. 

Finally, Sevilla FC consider that all parties involved must rise to the occasion and ensure that the match takes place with the utmost respect and in an atmosphere of absolute normality.