06 February 2024 , 07:27
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Sevilla have complained to La Liga after Lucas Ocampos appeared to be violated by a supporter during their match against Rayo Vallecano.
Ocampos was preparing to take a throw-in in the 33rd minute of their 2-1 win at Rayo on Monday night when a young fan appeared to reach out to poke him up the backside. The Sevilla winger reacted in confusion, turning around to speak to the supporter, who was sitting just feet away.
The match was briefly stopped and some other fans nearby were seen laughing at the incident. Rayo players appealed to the crowd for calm and the match was able to resume, but afterwards the away side released a statement.
It read: “We would like to place on record our disgust at the incident that occurred this Monday during our match against Rayo Vallecano, in which our player Lucas Ocampos was subjected to an obscene and completely inappropriate act by a home fan.
“We hope that the appropriate measures outlined in the regulations will be taken to prevent such behaviour from happening again on a football field, and we have expressed this to La Liga directly. These gestures and behaviours should not be allowed in our competition if we aspire to be the best league in the world.
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“We send our full; support to Lucas Ocampos, who showed composure and immense professionalism despite the unacceptable behaviour of the fan who harassed him.”
Ocampos told Dazn: “You can see what happened in the [video] images. I hope La Liga takes it as seriously as it takes racism and these things. I don’t think all the Rayo people are like that because they have always treated us with respect, but there is always one fool.”
Lucas Ocampos of Sevilla in action on Monday night (Getty Images)He added: “I hope it doesn’t happen in other areas, because if this happens in a women’s football match, we know what can happen. I kept my calm because I have two daughters. I hope this doesn’t happen to them in the future. I hope that the action that has to be taken is taken, and I hope that a fool like this does not stain a set of fans who otherwise behaved very well.”
Sevilla won the match thanks to two goals from striker Youssef En-Nesyri. The Morocco international opened the scoring from the edge of the area after 19 minutes before Isi Palazon converted Alfonso Espino’s cross to draw Rayo level.
En-Nesyri combined with Isaac Romero to find the winner just before half-time and give struggling Sevilla just a second win in 17 La Liga matches. Just their fourth victory in 20 league matches moved them up to 15th place – two spots behind Rayo and, more importantly, three points away from the relegation zone.