The Disciplinary Committee of the RFEF has imposed fines on three clubs—Osasuna, Alavés, and Valencia—due to incidents on the field during the latest round of matches. Among these, the most notable was the liquid throwing incident to Vitor Roque during the match between Osasuna and Betis. This particular incident has drawn significant attention from both fans and officials alike, leading to penalties for the involved clubs.
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Details of the Liquid Throwing Incident Involving Vitor Roque
According to the match referee, Muñiz Ruiz, the liquid throwing incident occurred shortly after the first goal of the match, which was scored by Betis’ on-loan player, Vitor Roque. As stated in the match report, “In the 10th minute, liquid was thrown at the visiting team’s player, number 8, from the southern stand, where the local fans of Osasuna were located. The incident was addressed via the stadium’s PA system, and no further disturbances occurred during the rest of the match.”
This liquid throwing incident is considered a minor offense under Article 117, which deals with the disturbance of order during a football match. According to this article, such actions are classified as minor when they do not cause significant disruptions, and in this case, Osasuna has been fined up to 602 euros, the maximum penalty for such infractions.
Other Incidents: Alavés and Valencia
The fine issued to Alavés was due to a bottle throwing incident during their match against Valladolid. The match referee, Melero López, noted in his report that “In the 76th minute, a 50 ml empty plastic bottle was thrown onto the pitch from the section where local fans were cheering. The bottle did not have a cap, and the incident occurred during the celebration of the third goal by Valladolid.” The object throwing protocol was activated immediately following the incident, and the match was able to continue without further interruptions.
Similarly, Valencia has been fined for a whistle and lighter throwing incident at their home ground, Mestalla, during a match against Las Palmas. In the 72nd minute, Jesus Gil Manzano, the match referee, activated the object throwing protocol after several objects, including a plastic whistle and a lighter, were thrown at a Las Palmas player who was lying on the ground near the right-side corner from the perspective of the dressing rooms. Fortunately, none of the objects hit the player, and the match resumed without further issues.
Article 117: Understanding the Penalties for Minor Infractions
The fines imposed on Osasuna, Alavés, and Valencia all fall under Article 117 of the RFEF’s disciplinary code. This article deals with the disturbance of order during a football match, specifically addressing minor offenses like object throwing incidents, which do not result in significant harm or disrupt the match to a severe degree. The article states, “When events defined in Article 15 occur during a match and are classified by the disciplinary body as minor, the responsible club will be fined up to 602 euros.”
While the fines may seem minor, the recurring nature of these incidents on the field raises concerns about the behavior of certain local fans. Clubs are expected to take stronger measures to prevent such actions, which not only disrupt the flow of the game but also put players at risk.
Preventive Measures and Future Implications
Following these recent events, the Disciplinary Committee of the RFEF has urged clubs to enhance security measures and improve communication with fans to avoid further object throwing incidents. The fines, while relatively small, serve as a warning to clubs about the potential for more severe penalties should such behavior persist.
Stadiums are expected to take more proactive steps in educating fans about the consequences of their actions. Security protocols, such as the object throwing protocol, will continue to be a crucial part of ensuring player safety and maintaining the integrity of the game.
Additionally, clubs may face greater scrutiny in the future, with potential points deductions or larger fines should they fail to control the actions of their supporters. These measures reflect a growing concern among football governing bodies about maintaining a respectful and safe environment during matches.
Conclusion
The liquid throwing incident to Vitor Roque and other similar infractions involving Alavés and Valencia have resulted in fines for the responsible clubs under Article 117. While these penalties are currently limited to financial sanctions, the increasing frequency of such incidents could lead to harsher punishments in the future. It is now up to the clubs to ensure that their fans understand the importance of proper conduct, both for the safety of the players and the smooth running of the matches.
