Sevilla’s Sanction Impacts Home Match Against Celta and North Stand Closure
The disciplinary action stems from chants directed at Sergio Ramos during a cup clash in 2017, leading to a punishment that affects Sevilla in the 28th La Liga round against Celta Vigo.
For the upcoming league fixture, Sevilla will not be able to rely on all of its supporters. Two sections of the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium, totaling roughly 600 fans, must remain closed to comply with the sanction. The club has announced that those affected season-ticket holders will receive a refund for the match, approximately 15 euros per ticket, and that a tarpaulin filled the closed sectors in the prior game.
Why the Federation Closes Part of the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stands for Sevilla vs Celtic
The closure is the result of a disciplinary decision handed down by the refereeing body of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after the incident involving Sergio Ramos during the second leg of the Copa del Rey round of 16 in the 2016-2017 season. Sevilla allegedly insulted the Real Madrid captain during the celebration of a goal, a trigger cited in the ruling that led to the partial stand closures.
Sevilla FC stated that all avenues of appeal, including those at the national supreme court level, were exhausted without success. The club clarified that the decision was backed by the chain of authority overseeing stadium safety and match conduct. The notable outcome is that the affected sectors, located directly behind the goal, will not host supporters for the upcoming league date in Nervión, specifically the Good Friday clash with RC Celta.
The club further noted that it will contact the subscribers of both affected sectors to explain the refund process. In the previous match, those stands were covered with tarps as a temporary measure while the club awaited the resolution of the sanction.
Sevilla FC emphasized that the appeal against the decision, pursued by sport and civil procedure routes, did not yield a reversal. The last submission to the Supreme Court, made in February 2023, was rejected, leaving the sanction intact and the partial closure in effect for sectors N11 and N12 of the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. The club ensured that the refund plan would be communicated to the season-ticket holders affected by the measure.
As the sanction goes into effect, Sevilla faces the likelihood of a smaller crowd at a match played during Holy Week, a period when Seville typically expects a robust turnout. The Good Friday timing coincides with the city’s major Holy Week festivities, which can influence attendance and fan atmosphere at Nervión.
Cited: Goal