Real Betis Vs Sevilla Postponed And Forced To Be Played Without Fans After Player Hit By Missile

Real Betis and Sevilla's derby in the Copa del Rey had to be abandoned on Saturday night after 39 minutes, after Joan Jordan was hit by a missile from the crowd.

The Seville city derby turned nasty after Nabil Fekir had scored direct from a corner, with just over five minutes to go before half time.

With Fekir and his Betis teammates celebrating the 'Olympic Goal,' a member of the crowd threw a missile onto the pitch and hit Sevilla midfielder Jordan.

The 27-year-old hit the ground after being struck on the head and had to be attended to by medical staff, as the match was initially paused for him to be seen to.

After getting to his feet the Sevilla player was sent to hospital, where he was later diagnosed with a 'traumatic brain injury.'

The player was released from hospital but was put under observation for 'at least 24 hours,' to see if he had any more adverse effects to the trauma.

A statement by Sevilla read, "Sevilla FC would like to convey all its affection to Joan Jordan, who fortunately, and this is undoubtedly the only important thing, is at home after being hit by an object thrown from the home stand during the derby.

"Joan left the Benito Villamarín dazed and was taken to hospital, where he was examined and underwent a series of tests required by the protocol due to the concussion. 

"The final diagnosis is cranioencephalic trauma and the player will be kept under home observation until a minimum period of 24 hours has passed without any alarming symptoms.

"Sevilla FC condemns the violent act suffered today by Joan Jordan, an unacceptable act in the world of sport committed by an individual who, of course, does not represent the fans of Real Betis or the way of living football in our city.

"Likewise, the club demands the utmost respect for Joan Jordan, a true professional and an exemplary person who has suffered an appalling attack."

Conversations took place between the referee and the managers, with Real Betis players remaining on the pitch and Sevilla's players going back to the changing room.

After around an hour the decision to abandon the game for the night was announced, and the match will be restarted on Sunday from the 39th minute.

The ref's report said the missile was a 'hollow 50-centimeter (20-inch) PVC bar,' and it's possible it was a part of the stadium ripped off, rather than something that was brought into the Benito Villamarín Stadium.

The match will be restarted at 3pm on Sunday, with no fans allowed inside to watch this time.