On September 26, after the match between RCD Espanyol and Villarreal, a plastic cup thrown from the stands struck referee Alejandro Quintero González. The case is currently being investigated by the Disciplinary Commission, and a decision is expected in a few days.

Analyzing the incident

After the match ended, as we were near the entrance to the tunnel leading to the locker rooms, a medium-sized plastic cup filled with liquid was thrown in my direction, hitting me. The object was thrown from above the tunnel by a fan wearing the local club’s jersey. As a result, I requested the security forces to identify this individual, which was confirmed by the security coordinator. In the locker room, I was examined by the medical staff of the local club, who confirmed that I had not sustained any visible injuries, reads the match report prepared by Alejandro Quintero González.

The commission is investigating the matter under Article 15 of the Disciplinary Code concerning club responsibility, which highlights the fact that the physical integrity of referees is compromised or threatened… When determining severity, factors such as whether injuries occurred or not; assessing the evident risk that may have arisen and the club’s passive or negligent attitude or its failure to promptly identify and hand over the perpetrators to the relevant authorities are considered to determine the seriousness of the incident.

© Michał Koliba

What penalty awaits Espanyol?

The Disciplinary Commission is working to gather all necessary information before making a decision at the next meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 2. Several scenarios are possible. The worst-case scenario involves the complete closure of RCDE Stadium for the next league match, along with a fine ranging from €18,000 to €90,000. However, this option seems unlikely, considering that the person who threw the object has been identified and has apologized to both the club and the referee.

A second scenario involves the partial closure of the stadium, specifically the sector or stand from which the object was thrown. In this case, a fine of up to €6,000 would likely be imposed. The most probable outcome, given all factors, is that Espanyol will be fined heavily, but the stadium will remain open. Nonetheless, former Spanish referee Xavier Estrada Fernández has called for a full closure of the stadium for at least two matches in an article for El Desmarque.

© Elemaki (cc: by)