Three Sevilla fans have died in a road accident on the way to their club’s Copa del Rey quarter-final against Atletico Madrid.
The supporters were travelling to Madrid on Thursday morning ahead of the fixture at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium.
The fixture has gone ahead as planned but both teams paid tribute by wearing black armbands and a minute’s silence was observed before kick-off.
Both Sevilla and Atletico Madrid released statements to offer condolences to the friends and family of the three Sevilla fans.
Sevilla will also hold a minute’s silence before their La Liga fixture against Osasuna on Sunday.
A Sevilla statement read: “Following the tragic news of the a traffic accidence en route to Madrid that caused the deaths of some fans, we would like to communicate that, as a symbol of mourning, the flags at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan and the training ground will be set at half mast and there will be a minute’s silence before Sunday’s game against CA Osasuna.
“We would like to reiterate our commitment to support the affected families, helping them in any means possible and keeping in regular contact.
A further statement offering condolences read: “Everyone at Sevilla sends their condolences to the friends and family of three Sevilla fans who have tragically died this morning in a road accident on their way to Madrid ahead of tonight’s match at the Civitas Metropolitano.”
Similarly, Atletico Madrid issued a statement, saying, “Our deepest condolences to the Sevilla family and to the relatives of the Sevilla fans who died in a traffic accident on their way to Madrid to watch tonight’s match. May they rest in peace”.
A Spanish Football Association (RFEF) statement read: “The RFEF shares the pain of the entire Spanish football family for the loss of the three Sevilla fans who travelled to Madrid this Thursday to watch their team’s match in the Copa Del Rey. Rest in peace.”
(Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
