Real Betis boss Pellegrini breaks silence on Abde Ezzalzouli controversy after Ceuta shirt incident

Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini has sought to ease the controversy surrounding the club’s recent match against Villarreal, following an initiative in which players from both teams wore shirts carrying a message related to Ceuta.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Betis’ meeting with Getafe, the Chilean coach revealed that he had spoken directly with Moroccan international Abde Ezzalzouli about the situation.

Pellegrini explained that his conversation with Abde was no different from the discussions he normally has with his players, while acknowledging the sensitivity surrounding the incident.

The Betis coach stressed the importance of keeping the matter away from political confrontation and maintaining football’s role as a sport capable of bringing people together.

According to Pellegrini, football stadiums bring together supporters and players from different backgrounds, cultures and viewpoints, all united behind their respective teams. He therefore believes that political disagreements should not be allowed to create further divisions within the sport.

Pellegrini also emphasized that everyone is entitled to interpret the incident according to their own perspective, but argued that footballers have a responsibility to promote unity and coexistence among people and nations.

The Chilean coach maintained that political debates should be handled by politicians rather than being allowed to dominate the football environment.

His comments come after the shirts worn during the Betis-Villarreal match sparked considerable debate, particularly because of the longstanding sensitivity surrounding Ceuta and its political status.

For Pellegrini, however, the focus should remain on football and the ability of the sport to bring people together despite differences in opinions and backgrounds.

The situation involving Abde has attracted particular attention given the Moroccan international’s connection to the issue, but Pellegrini’s comments indicate his intention to prevent the controversy from affecting the sporting environment at Betis.