Sevilla win appeal to reduce Sánchez-Pizjuán partial closure to just one match
The RFEF Appeals Committee has partially accepted Sevilla's challenge against the three-match closure of the North Stand following derby incidents, reducing it to one game.
Sevilla have scored a partial victory in their battle with Spanish football authorities, with the partial closure of their Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium now limited to just one match instead of three.
Appeal success
The RFEF Appeals Committee has partially upheld Sevilla’s legal challenge against disciplinary measures imposed following incidents during the recent Seville derby. The club’s legal team can chalk this one up as a decent result, though they’re not done fighting yet.
The original punishment from the Disciplinary Committee was proper harsh:
- Three-match closure of sections of the Gol Norte (North Stand)
- A hefty €45,000 fine
- Incidents classified as “very serious”
After review, the Appeals Committee has made significant reductions:
- Downgraded the classification to merely “serious”
- Reduced the fine dramatically to €6,000
- Limited the closure to just one match
- Only sections N20, N11 and N12 of the lower North Stand will be affected
The committee has issued a warning that any repeat offences could result in a total closure of the stand, so Sevilla fans will need to be on their best behaviour moving forward.
Not stopping here
Despite this partial victory, Sevilla aren’t resting on their laurels. The club has announced they’ll continue challenging the punishment through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAD), determined to exhaust all legal avenues available.
In a separate but related matter, Sevilla will also appeal to the Appeals Committee against the six-match ban handed to defender Marcao following his red card during the match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Sevilla clearly aren’t taking these punishments lying down - they’re fighting their corner like proper bulldogs. The reduced sanctions represent a step in the right direction for the Andalusian club, but they’re clearly after complete exoneration.