Real Madrid Defends Sergio Ramos Over Controversial Goal Celebration Vs Sevilla

Real Madrid have released a club statement expressing “complete support” for captain Sergio Ramos after Sevilla officially complained about his goal celebration during Thursday’s 3-3 tie in the Copa del Rey.

Real Madrid Defends Sergio Ramos Over Controversial Goal Celebration Vs Sevilla

The 30-year-old Spanish central defender, who joined Real from Sevilla in 2005, scored a “Panenka-style” penalty to make it 3-2 in the 83rd minute, and celebrated by sarcastically cupping his hands to his ears.

Ramos said the Sevilla fans had “remembered my mother and insulted me from the first minute,” but added: “I asked for forgiveness and my celebration wasn’t meant as a lack of respect or an insult to anyone.”

As noted in his statement, Ramos’ celebration was prompted by Sevilla fans verbally abusing him and using derogatory language referring to his mother and wife.

Real Madrid issued the following statement: “Real Madrid wishes to express its total and absolute support for our captain Sergio Ramos, whose behavior is and has always been exemplary throughout his career.”

“Real Madrid has been inflexible when it comes to applying with absolute firmness its “zero tolerance” policy against violent individuals,” the statement added.

Sevilla sent its official complaint of the celebration to La Liga’s governing body, the LFP, calling for Ramos to be reprimanded.

Sevilla also, however, distanced itself from the aforementioned vulgar chants sung by some of the fans at their own Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.

“At the same time, Sevilla FC wants to make clear that it condemns the insults the player received, which cannot be justified or protected in any case, and we reiterate that Sevilla fans should eradicate insults both towards clubs and opposing players,” said the statement.

“It is something that only deteriorates the club’s image and can carry serious sanctions,” it added.

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane had already played down the incident and, speaking at his pre-game press conference on Saturday, added: “The statement which Sevilla released is the same as ours — maximum respect for all players, not just Sergio. There will be lots more nonsense but what we want is to play a game of football, nothing else.”

Zidane continued: “Above all, Ramos is our captain– an example to everyone. The fans just want to see a game of football. This issue is over. Sevilla think the same, to play a great game, and that is what we all want to see/”

Sevilla also expressed its desire to relay their “unwavering commitment against violence,” as well as “racism, xenophobia and intolerance.”

SEVILLE, SPAIN – JANUARY 12: Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring the second goal of Real Madrid CF with his team mates during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 Second Leg match between Sevilla FC vs Real Madrid CF at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on January 12, 2017 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)