Images of attack heighten concern over fan violence

Film of an Atletico Madrid fan being kicked and beaten with a stick by Sevilla supporters before last Saturday's league match has heightened concern about the level of violence in Spanish football.

The images, taken on a mobile phone and published on the Internet before being aired on television, show the fan being attacked as he lay bleeding on the ground outside Sevilla's Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.

Spanish media reported that a Sevilla fan was also attacked and stabbed in the leg before the match, which Atletico won 2-1, though local police said they had no knowledge of the incident.

"They are deplorable incidents that have no place in football and should not be allowed to be repeated," Atletico defender Pablo Ibanez told a news conference yesterday.

Violence at Spanish football has increased in recent seasons with clashes between rival fans and the police and the throwing of objects onto the pitch becoming regular occurrences.

Earlier this month, Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Armando had to have six stitches for a cut on his face after being hit by a bottle thrown from the stands by a Real Betis fan.

Betis were fined 9,000 euros ($14,020) and ordered to close their stadium for two matches, although they have made it clear they intend to appeal against the decision.