Sevilla player Jordán targeted by hung dummy before derby with Betis

BARCELONA, Spain — The Spanish league and Sevilla denounced an apparent hate act by unknown persons against Sevilla player Joan Jordán on Saturday, the day before the Seville city derby with Real Betis.

A dummy wearing a Sevilla shirt of Jordán was found on Saturday hung from an overpass in Seville with the banner “Seville hates Nervión” in Spanish. Nervión Stadium is Sevilla’s former stadium.

The incident was similar to one suffered by Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior in January when a dummy with his name on it was hung from an overpass with a rope around its neck along with a banner with the words “Madrid hates Real.” That was before a derby against Atletico Madrid. Police have yet to find the people behind that act.

Vinícius, who is Black, has also been targeted by verbal racist attacks during games.

Jordán, who is white, has suffered from fan violence related to the derby.

In January 2022, Jordán was struck in the head by a piece of PVC pipe hurled from the stands at Betis’ Benito Villamarin Stadium during a Copa del Rey match. The Spanish midfielder was taken to a hospital and treated for head trauma.

The game was suspended when the incident occurred. Jordán was not able to play when the game was resumed a day later, with Betis winning.

The Spanish league said in a statement it denounced the latest hung dummy.

Sevilla called the act a “repugnant attack against the honor and dignity” of Jordán, who has played 183 games for Sevilla and helped it win the Europa League.

Sunday’s derby is at Sevilla’s Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. The host club also sent a message to their fans asking them to ensure they show “the utmost respect for the fans of Real Betis.”

The Seville derby is notorious for being Spain’s most fiercely contested crosstown rivalry. In 2007, Sevilla coach Juande Ramos was knocked unconscious when he was hit in the head by a bottle thrown by a Betis fan during a game.