Sevilla and Betis End Their Relationship

The relationship between Sevilla and Real Betis has reached a new low. In a stark departure from the cordial relations of recent years, Sevilla has marked a turning point with a statement announcing the severance of ties between the clubs. This development harkens back to earlier, more contentious eras in the rivalry.

Sevilla’s statement criticized Betis for reporting Sevilla players’ celebrations to football authorities rather than the Anti-Violence Commission. The club views this as breaking an important code and setting a dangerous precedent by seeking sporting punishments for non-sporting events.

The controversy stems from an incident after the October 6th derby, where Betis reported an image of Sevilla players posing with a flag featuring a crossed-out Betis crest. This led to sanctions against Sevilla players Isaac Romero, Juanlu, and Carmona.

Sevilla expressed surprise at Betis not understanding these events within the context of rivalry and sportsmanship, and at the decision of football committees to impose sporting sanctions for these actions. The club announced it has “decided to cut relations with Real Betis” as it cannot maintain ties when Betis leadership has “deliberately and consciously sought to harm our club.”

This statement came in response to comments made by Betis president Ángel Haro at a recent shareholders’ meeting, where he defended Betis’ actions and criticized the double standard in how incidents at each club are perceived.

With institutional relations now severed, it’s expected that Sevilla officials will not attend the upcoming derby between the clubs’ reserve teams. The situation’s future development and any potential response from Betis remain to be seen.