Cerezo apologises to Betis’ fans

Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo has apologised to the Real Betis board and the club’s fans for Monday’s postponed fixture.

The game was originally scheduled as the final fixture of Week 3 but was moved to September 26 at Los Rojiblancos’ request, after they argued the European Super Cup clash with Chelsea three days earlier and international call-ups would have reduced their competitiveness.

The Andalusians had wanted the match to go ahead as planned but were forced to abide by the decision taken by the Spanish League (LFP) and Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

“I want to apologise to Betis fans but for us it was necessary to suspend the game,” Cerezo told Canal Sur Radio’s El Pelotazo programme.

“I also want to apologise to the Betis board for not calling them, but we always thought it was a matter for the LFP and RFEF. If we had played we would have done so with half our team still on its travels.

”Therefore we requested a postponement to both the LFP and RFEF and it was granted.”

In addition, Cerezo wanted to make it clear that he does not want the issue to sour relations between the clubs.

“Let no Betico doubt that if one day they have a similar need then I will treat things the same and we will return the favour Betis have done us on this occasion.”

Cerezo said he was confident there will be no recriminations and that both clubs are now happy with the new date.

“I have not spoken to [Betis President] Miguel Guillen but I will see him and will do so without any problems. I haven’t called him because they were not the ones who asked for the postponement.

“I want to clarify that it was us who asked and our relationship with Betis remains great,” he affirmed.

Tags Cerezo Guillen
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