May 13 – Football passion crossed a dangerous line in Spain this weekend when “a gang of organised radicals” effectively held Sevilla FC players and staff hostage at the club’s training facility following their 3-2 defeat to Celta Vigo.
The loss proved the breaking point for certain supporters who, armed with pyrotechnics, tore down an entrance gate and stormed the premises Saturday night, forcing players and staff to spend the night barricaded inside for their own safety.
“Sevilla FC will report to the relevant authorities the unusually violent attacks suffered by their employees, players, technical staff, and directors upon their arrival at the training ground,” the club stated on Sunday.
“The club request that security forces act with the utmost diligence to identify those responsible for these despicable acts, perpetrated by organised radicals who acted with extreme violence.”
The club confirmed they would file formal complaints regarding both the physical assault on personnel and the vandalism of first-team facilities, which culminated in “the invasion of the aforementioned area by a large group of violent individuals.”
This alarming incident echoes a similar situation in Italy when Cagliari players were confronted by ultras at their training ground after a string of poor results threatened relegation. That standoff ended without physical violence but included intimidating demands for the players to “show some balls” in remaining fixtures.
Sevilla’s crisis stems from an astonishing collapse in form, having gone winless since March 9 and losing six of eight LaLiga matches. This tailspin has the record seven-time Europa League champions languishing in an unprecedented 16th place, just four points above the relegation zone.
With survival hanging in the balance, veteran manager Joaquín Caparrós has returned to the sidelines for the rescue mission. Beyond a winnable match against fellow strugglers Las Palmas, Sevilla face daunting fixtures against Real Madrid and Villarreal to secure their top-flight status.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1748877158labto1748877158ofdlr1748877158owedi1748877158sni@r1748877158etsbe1748877158w.kci1748877158n1748877158