Sporting de Hortaleza has announced that, in its Copa del Rey match against Sevilla FC, tribute will be paid to the legend Antonio Puerta. The match, scheduled for this Thursday at 9:00 p.m. at the Val de Alcalá de Henares stadium, has been declared high risk by the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sports, due to the large influx of Sevilla fans and previous incidents in the second leg of the elimination against Güímar.
According to the Madrid club's board, in the 16th minute of the match, coinciding with the number Puerta was wearing, everyone present will be invited to a general applause in his memory. The objective is for both the fans of Sporting de Hortaleza and Sevilla FC to share a moment of respect and unity that transcends colors and reflects the values of the sport. “In the 16th minute, we are all one fan,” reads the team statement.
Sporting de Hortaleza has also made 1,500 tickets available to Sevilla fans, of which it is expected that around 1,000 will be in Alcalá de Henares for the debut of Luis García Plaza's team in this edition of the Copa del Rey. It is estimated that more than 500 Sevilla fans will travel from the Community of Madrid, although the real number could be higher. The Madrid club highlights that the objective is to “convey a message of welcome, respect and cordiality to both fans”, and that it is a pride to welcome an institution with the history and prestige of Sevilla FC in its city.
The match takes place in a context of caution, after the incidents that forced the suspension of the second leg against Güímar from Tenerife. Despite security measures, organizers seek to guarantee a positive experience for fans of both teams. Sporting de Hortaleza has emphasized that the presence of the Sevilla fans will be received with hospitality and that the tribute to Puerta will be a focal point of the meeting.
With the date set and security measures in place, fans can expect a duel that, in addition to the sporting competition, will serve as a tribute to one of the great icons of Spanish football. Sporting de Hortaleza and Sevilla FC are preparing for a match that promises to be emotional and competitive, with an eye on both the result and the memory of Antonio Puerta.