LaLiga Cracks Down on Betis Fans' Chants Targeting David Soria
LaLiga has filed official complaints about offensive chants at recent matches, including Betis supporters targeting Getafe keeper David Soria with Sevilla-related insults.
LaLiga Cracks Down on Betis Fans’ Chants Targeting David Soria
LaLiga’s weekly disciplinary reports have flagged multiple offensive chants from recent fixtures, with Betis supporters’ taunts aimed at Getafe goalkeeper David Soria among those in the spotlight.
Weekly Monitoring System
Spain’s top flight has a proper system in place, don’t they? Every week, LaLiga submits written complaints to both the RFEF Competition Committee and the Anti-Violence Commission documenting chants that cross the line into violence-inciting, insulting, or intolerant territory.
These aren’t just empty gestures either - such behaviour is explicitly prohibited and punishable under both the RFEF’s Sporting Discipline Code and Spanish legislation against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport.
Betis vs Getafe Incident
The report highlights two specific incidents during the Real Betis vs Getafe match at the Benito Villamarín:
- Just before the second half kicked off, a coordinated group of home supporters in the central sections of the South Goal Lower Stand directed a 10-second chant at Getafe keeper David Soria with derogatory references linking him to local rivals Sevilla
- The same chant was repeated around the 80th minute by the same section of fans
The targeting of Soria makes sense when you know your Spanish football history - the Getafe shot-stopper came through the youth ranks at Sevilla before making his way to Madrid. Clearly, the Betis faithful haven’t forgotten his roots!
Osasuna Match Also Flagged
The report wasn’t just about the Betis game, mind. Several concerning incidents from the Osasuna vs Alavés fixture were also documented, including:
- Multiple offensive chants from a group behind banners reading “Lizarra”, “Osasuna” and “Graderío Sur”
- Particularly troubling references to violence, bombs, and even ETA (the disbanded Basque terrorist organization)
- Insults directed at the referee
These are proper serious, and I’d be surprised if there aren’t some hefty fines coming Osasuna’s way. The ETA chants especially will raise eyebrows at LaLiga HQ.
What Happens Next?
With the official complaints now filed, the ball’s in the court of the disciplinary bodies. Spanish football has been making a concerted effort to clean up fan behaviour in recent years, and these reports show they’re not just having a bubble bath when it comes to enforcement.
Clubs could face anything from warnings to fines or even partial stadium closures if the authorities decide to throw the book at them.