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La Liga to prosecute after Mes...

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La Liga to prosecute after Messi fan invades pitch


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La Liga says that it will be taking legal action after a man breached security to run onto the pitch during a match to get a photograph with Lionel Messi.

The incident occurred during the second-half of Barcelona's 4-0 win away to Mallorca on Saturday night.

The invader was wearing an Argentina international jersey with Messi's name and number 10 on the back and he came on to the field of play just after the restart.

La Liga matches are being played behind closed doors and there are even stricter security protocols in place due to the coronavirus pandemic which had claimed 27,136 lives in Spain up until Sunday.

La Liga released a statement on Sunday to say that the man got on to the pitch "without any authorisation and disobeying the protocols established by health legislation, as well as disobeying the orders of security staff."

"La Liga also wishes to show its absolute condemnation for this type of conduct that puts the health of others at risk and risks damaging the integrity of the competition."

The man spoke to a Spanish radio station after the incident.

"I had planned this before the coronavirus outbreak," he told COPE.

"Ever since I knew the match was happening, I wanted a photo with Messi and to meet him because he’s my idol.

"My dream is to have a photo with him and meet him . But first I saw Jordi Alba and I took one with him. Then I went to Messi, but due to the virus, he didn't want a picture. Then the police made me delete everything.

"I was with some friends and I arrived in the 40th minute. I jumped a fence of about two metres and from the stands I went down the stairs to the field."

Meanwhile, the victory against Mallorca in their first match back after La Liga resumed gave the champions a five point lead over rivals Real Madrid.

The team from the capital face Eibar on Sunday evening as they attempt to close the gap back to two points.


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Barcelona La Liga Lionel Messi Real Madrid

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