Fan chants put Spain to shame

Ambiguous reactions in Spain to Real Betis fan chants, which caused dismay outside the country, have again shown how the idea of collective responsibility is missing at most La Liga clubs.

The chants in question relate to a legal case involving Ruben Castro, of Segunda Division club Betis, who will soon appear in court charged with assaulting and threatening his ex-girlfriend on numerous occasions. Prosecutors want a 25-month custodial sentence given the seriousness of the alleged behaviour.

Not everyone is so appalled however. Chants of “Ruben Castro yay, Ruben Castro yay, it wasn’t your fault, she was a whore, you did the right thing” have been regularly heard at Betis games through recent months as the 34-year-old has scored 16 goals to fuel his team’s promotion push.