SEVILLA FC OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Sevilla FC strongly condemns the harassment and attacks on the integrity of their player, Joan Jordán, and the lack of respect for his coach, Julen Lopetegui, about whom unfounded comments have been made based on self-serving speculation. The reality is that Jordán was hit by an object thrown from one of the stands occupied by Real Betis Balompié fans during Saturday's Copa del Rey derby at the Benito Villamarín. 

No one should overlook the objective fact. Jordán was assaulted, treated at a hospital, had to rest at home on medical grounds and was unable to play in the resumption of the match. The victim is Jordan. There is never any room for mockery of a victim or self-serving comments to divert attention from what happened, a very serious event.

In this regard, Sevilla FC considers unfortunate and unacceptable certain behaviour by some members of Real Betis Balompié regarding Joan Jordán, Julen Lopetegui and the Sevilla fans, which seriously compromises the healthy rivalry that is generally experienced in the city of Seville. Sevilla FC believes that sporting institutions and those who form part of them should be the first to promote the values of respect and tolerance that are intrinsic to sport. Sevilla FC will continue working to reduce tension in the derby matches and to ensure that the tension is experienced solely and exclusively on the field of play, although the club feels alone in this mission.