OFFICIAL STATEMENT: REAL BETIS BALOMPIÉ

Following Real Betis Balompié's complaint, that resulted in Isaac, Juanlu and Carmona receiving suspensions for the home match against RC Celta de Vigo, Sevilla FC would like to communicate the following:

-The behaviour of Real Betis Balompié's Board of Directors in reporting the celebration of our players, and doing so to federal bodies and not to the Anti-Violence Commission, breaks an important code and sets a dangerous precedent, seeking sporting punishments for non-sporting acts.

-In the context of a fierce derby match, in front of the home fans, it seems strange that Real Betis Balompié's Board of Directors interpreted the celebrations as an act that generates violence. It is surprising that these celebrations cannot be considered a natural element of healthy competition. It is also surprising that sporting punishments have been issued, setting a concerning precedent for Spanish football as a whole. 

-In the past, when similar event have occurred but in reverse, even when our players were publicly mocked by Real Betis Balompié's Board of Directors and players, no further action was taken with the events accepted in the context of natural celebration, even if they were objectively disrespectful.

-Real Betis Balompié's Board of Directors has not acted in the best interest of the institution and the fanbase that it represents, who understand the situation much better. Sevilla FC always shows its full respect to the club and to the fans.

-This reaction from the Real Betis Balompié Board of Directors reflects the type of behaviour that might have been expected in the past, when the relationship between the two clubs was very different to what it is now.

-It appears that our understanding of the relationship between the two clubs, one of mutual respect and healthy competition, may be very different to the understanding at Real Betis Balompié. It is disappointing that Real Betis Balompié has decided to tarnish this relationship by seeking punishments that directly impact proceedings on the field of play.

Therefore, Sevilla FC has decided to cut ties with Real Betis Balompié. The existing relationship simply cannot exist any further considering this act by the Real Betis Balompié Board of Directors, an act that sought to deliberately harm our club and our on-field performance. Real Betis Balompié would have been well aware of the possible sanctions our players would face when filing the report.

Finally, Sevilla FC would like to reiterate its disappointment both with the inappropriate reaction of the Real Betis Balompié Board of Directors and with the governing bodies, who issued the sanctions.