During the Málaga CF - Real Zaragoza match, the game was paused for two minutes (from the 28th to the 30th minute) after the referee observed “a person in the crowd located behind the left goal as you exit the dressing room,” as stated in the match report, “where local club fans were present,” using a laser pointer to “shine it in the eyes of the visiting goalkeeper and the main referee.” This incident, which led to a warning about the potential suspension of the match, was communicated to the pitch delegate, and the situation was announced over the public address system.
The aforementioned infraction (laser pointer) is considered serious. If the individual is not identified, the Club itself would bear the cost of any potential sanction imposed, along with the resulting financial repercussions. Málaga CF is working closely with the Police to identify the person using available audiovisual and photographic recording methods, in addition to the internal security cameras at La Rosaleda Stadium.
Málaga Club de Fútbol reminds fans that the state regulations (Law 19/2007, 11th July) against violence, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance in sports emphasise, in Article 2.1, that a violent act or conduct, or one that incites violence in sports, “constitutes an act of manifest contempt for the participants in the sports event.”
Depending on the severity of the conduct and its impact on the sporting event, Article 24 of the law provides for three types of sanctions:
- Minor infractions: Fines ranging from 150 to 3,000 euros and/or a ban on access to any sports venue for a period of one month to six months.
- Serious infractions: Fines ranging from 3,000.01 to 60,000 euros and/or a ban on access to any sports venue for a period of six months to two years.
- Very serious infractions: Fines ranging from 60,000.01 to 650,000 euros and/or a ban on access to any sports venue for a period of two to five years.
Málaga CF’s internal regulations
The regulations applicable to Málaga CF members and season ticket holders for the 2024/2025 season stipulate in Article 29, letter f, that a very serious offence is “to prevent or hinder the normal functioning of activities promoted by the Club.” This behaviour can be sanctioned with the suspension of membership rights and a ban from all club facilities for a period of up to six months, or for four to 18 home matches played by the first team at La Rosaleda.
Málaga Club de Fútbol condemns these types of acts that go against sporting values and underscores that they are isolated incidents, and therefore cannot tarnish the exemplary behaviour of our great fanbase.
