Betis set to defy ban

Betis insist match must be played in Seville

Last updated: 26th March 2008

Armando Ribeiro

Armando: Hit by bottle

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Real Betis plan to defy a two-match ban and play Saturday's match against Barcelona at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) handed Betis a two-match stadium ban after Saturday's home match against Athletic Bilbao was abandoned after Bilbao goalkeeper Armando was hit in the face by a bottle thrown from the stands.

But Betis, who have appealed against the ban and the €9,000 fine, are refusing to play the match outside Seville at the disused Olympic Stadium due to security and safety issues.

Appeal

The club's appeal is due to be heard on Thursday but the Primera League side say they would not have enough time to get the ground ready to host such a big fixture.

Betis' legal adviser Manuel Castano told El Mundo: "It is practically impossible for a stadium like La Cartuja, which is in a poor condition, to be ready in 72 hours to host a game like Betis-Barcelona.

"Then there are important security issues, plus the matter of where to place the supporters."