A pre-season friendly on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, between Real Betis and Como turned ugly in Cadiz, as a heated brawl involving several ex-Premier League players overshadowed the match.
The game, meant to be a routine warm-up for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign, spiraled out of control late in the first half.
Real Betis, managed by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, and Como, led by ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, watched helplessly as tempers flared on the pitch.
Tensions erupted when former West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals clashed with Maximo Perrone.
A face shove from Fornals sparked a furious response, as players from both sides flooded the scene.
In the chaos, Betis striker Cucho Hernandez aimed a wild punch at a Como player but instead struck his own teammate, Natan.
The melee intensified, drawing in more players and officials. Former Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin took his frustration out on the referee and was promptly shown a red card for dissent.
Perrone also received a red, but surprisingly, Fornals escaped punishment despite triggering the incident.
The match eventually resumed, with Como sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory.
However, the fiery scenes have raised serious questions about discipline and player conduct.
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Governing bodies are expected to review the footage, with suspensions likely to follow.
Watch the video below:
Real Betis v Como in a friendly tonight 🤛 pic.twitter.com/PxH2jhZSPu
— 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 (@thecasualultra) August 6, 2025
FKA/MA
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