Sevilla player hit by ‘flag pole’ thrown by Betis fans as derby is suspended

The Copa del Rey last 16 clash between fierce rivals Real Betis and Sevilla was suspended on Saturday evening after midfielder Joan Jordan was struck by an object thrown from the stands.

The 27-year-old collapsed in agony and needed attention from club staff following the incident, having been hit by what appeared to be a flag pole.

Referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea was positioned just metres from Jordan as he was struck, immediately blowing his whistle and bringing the game to a halt.

Manuel Pellegrini's men were taking on Julen Lopetegui's side at the Benito Villamarin Stadium as they looked to progress to the quarter-finals – but the fixture was placed in doubt before half-time.

As the player received medical attention the referee picked up the object, which could've been a flag pole and carried it off the pitch.

The incident took place as the away side discussed how they conceded an equaliser from Nabil Fekir, after Alejandro Gomez had given them the lead.

Thankfully, Jordan was soon back to his feet after being given some water.

Sevilla then tweeted: "The match has been stopped after Joan Jordan was hit by an object thrown from the stands."

Spanish outlet Sport report that Sevilla had been determined for the game to be called off following the injury to their player, while Pellegrini's side initially stayed on the field of play.

Following initial confusion, Real Betis posed a message on scoreboards inside the ground, but it wasn't directly related to the incident in question.

Royal Spanish Football Federation tweeted: "The Copa del Rey round of 16 match between Real Betis and Sevilla FC is suspended.

"The RFEF condemns any act of violence on the playing fields."

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