Gran Derbi will be different without fans, says Sevilla chief

This will mark a great day for football fans in the country that has seen the sport suspended since March due to coronavirus pandemic.

Spanish LaLiga is set to return

But Sevilla President Jose Castro is of the opinion that football will bring joy and respite to the country which has suffered a lot despite fans not being able to enjoy the action from close quarters.

"The impact without a doubt can be seen in the entire city. This derby is going to be different because there won't be any public. Normally we would have liked to play the derby with fans," Castro told reporters on Zoom when IANS quizzed him about the prospect of hosting such a huge fixture behind-closed-doors.

Sevilla vs Real Betis, Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville on Thursday

"What we have done is we have asked the fans to not go outside to the stadium and only watch it at home. So what is important is to start and go ahead with matches.

"After tomorrow, we hope that football really leaves its mark. And I think it is going to help COVID lose its importance and help football gain importance," he added.

Sevilla currently stands third in the LaLiga, behind heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid. Castro expressed his happiness over their current position in the table and stated that their main aim remains automatic Champions League qualifications for next season. (IANS)

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