LaLiga, Spain’s premier soccer league, has announced its intention to report a young Rayo Vallecano fan to the juvenile prosecutor’s office for an incident involving Sevilla forward Lucas Ocampos. The incident took place during Sevilla’s 2-1 victory over Rayo, when Ocampos was preparing to take a throw-in and a fan in the stands poked him in the backside. Video footage captured the moment, prompting Ocampos to stop the game and call officials over. Rayo players Isi Palazón and Óscar Valentín also approached the young fans involved.
In a statement to CNN, LaLiga stated, “LALIGA is going to report the facts to the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office as it involves a minor,” revealing that the police have already identified the individual. However, due to Spanish data protection laws, the juvenile prosecutor’s office declined to provide further information when approached by CNN. CNN has also reached out to the Madrid police for comment.
Following the match, Ocampos expressed his hope that the league would treat the incident with the same seriousness as cases of racist abuse. He emphasized that the actions of one individual should not reflect on the entire fan base, acknowledging that most Rayo supporters show respect. Rayo Vallecano issued a statement condemning the fan’s behavior, emphasizing that such actions contradict the club’s values of promoting respect towards players, referees, and coaches.
Sevilla also expressed regret over the incident, describing it as “obscene and totally inappropriate.” Rayo Vallecano’s president, Martin Presa, echoed these sentiments, calling it an “incorrect situation that should never occur on a football pitch” during an interview with Spanish TV show “El Chiringuito.”