Hollywood actor and Malaga supporter Antonio Banderas has weighed in with his opinion on the club’s potential ban from Europe next season.
The Costa del Sol outfit are waiting to see if their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over a ban imposed by UEFA for ‘the presence of significant overdue payables’ is overturned.
If not, the club will not be allowed to take part in the next European competition they would otherwise qualify for within the next four years.
Actor Banderas, who is a native to the Malaga region and attended Malaga’s Champions League win over Porto yesterday, commented on the situation from his viewpoint.
“We are still waiting for the CAS decision and we sincerely hope that justice is done. It was an excessively harsh decision and has a negative effect on the Spanish League,” reflected the Zorro, Shrek and Spy Kids star to Canal + post-match.
“If this decision is ratified it will take away the motivation for a team that has to play against teams fighting to avoid relegation or to get into Europe.
“I think the decision is very misguided. It should have been taken at the end of the season giving the club time to settle these debts.
“I really hope CAS analyses the situation with a cool head and gives its backing to Malaga.”
The 52-year-old then reflected on the game he had just witnessed.
“I usually watch the matches on television from afar with nobody else around and suddenly I am here with my compatriots and it's really, really nice.
“Not just the football club deserves this but the city as well, deserves this joy.
“It doesn't matter who we get in the next round because Malaga will enjoy themselves again. To be among the eight best teams in Europe this year for us is an incredible triumph for the fans.
“We have been suffering for many years. It's not only a fantastic thing for the team but for the city as well.”
