MADRID, March 18 (Reuters) - The Real Betis fan accused of throwing a bottle at Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Armando did not mean to cause harm, his lawyer was quoted as saying in Spanish media on Tuesday.
'My client is deeply sorry. He didn't want to injure
Armando. Carmelo is really affected by all this because he is a
true Betis fan,' Alvaro Pimentel said.
'All he asks now is that people show respect towards his
family.'
The 40-year-old man identified with the initials CPR, a
builder from near Seville, was released on bail on Monday after
being charged with a public disorder offence and causing injury.
On Saturday, a Betis fan was standing in the front row just
behind the goal at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium, when he
threw a small plastic water bottle full of liquid at Armando, as
he went to get a ball for a goal kick.
The visiting keeper was struck just below the right eye and
required a number of stitches for a cut. Fans nearby quickly
identified the aggressor, who was taken away by stadium security
and handed over to the police.
Referee Carlos Clos Gomez abandoned the Primera Liga match
with Bilbao winning 2-1.
The Spanish football federation (RFEF)'s disciplinary
committee meet on Tuesday to discuss the weekend's incidents,
and to decide what action to take.
Bilbao have called for strong sanctions and for the game to
be awarded to them, while Betis have asked for the remaining 21
minutes to be completed. Both teams are involved in the battle
to avoid relegation.
The RFEF will be aware it is not the first time such an
incident has occurred at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera.
Last season, Sevilla coach Juande Ramos, now at Tottenham
Hotspur, was knocked out after being hit by a bottle thrown from
the stands during a King's Cup quarter-final match there.
That game was abandoned and the remaining 33 minutes played
behind closed doors at Getafe's stadium while Betis were given a
three-match stadium ban.
