Ramos’ spat with fans adds to RealSevilla rivalry

MADRID: Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos will be looking forward to seeing the back of Sevilla and their fans after their top-of-thetable Spanish League match today.

Most players who return in a different jersey to a club they used to grace, and where they were cherished, are often celebrated and welcomed, until kickoff. But almost 12 years after Ramos transferred to Real, some Sevilla fans retain a dim view of his departure.

The fate of draws and scheduling mean this match-up today will be the third in less than two weeks between the clubs.

Ramos has been booed by Sevilla fans at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in his hometown, but some “disrespectful” fans went further on Thursday when they allegedly insulted him during a King’s Cup game.

Ramos angered the fans further when he converted a penalty kick “Panenka” style and celebrated by provoking part of the local Seville crowd. He apologised to the majority of the fans, but said the radical supporters who insulted him didn’t deserve his respect.

“Sevilla will always be home for me whether they jeer me or not,” Ramos said. “But I’m the captain of Madrid and I’ll always try to do my best to help my team.”

Sevilla on Friday condemned the fans disparaging Ramos, and asked them to “refrain from insulting rival clubs and players” in the future as it “damages the club’s image and can lead to serious sanctions.”

Real drew with Sevilla 3-3 on Thursday to advance to the King’s Cup quarter-finals 6-3 on aggregate, and claim the Spanish record for the longest unbeaten streak, at 40 games. — AFP