Malaga under investigation

MALAGA is facing an investigation into ‘intolerant’ chanting at its match against Villareal.

As part of new regulations aimed at hardcore ‘ultra’ groups of fans, singing racist, xenophobic and abusive songs could lead to the partial closure of sections of the ground.

The new regulations also include penalties like relegation, points deductions, and the full or partial closure of stadiums for clubs linked to violent fans.

The move follows the death of a Deportivo de la Coruña fan outside the Atletico Madrid stadium in October, after rival groups of hooligans arranged a fight through social networking sites.

That incident shocked Spain and has provoked a crackdown on ultras groups across the country.

Now the newfound will to take on the hardcore supporters – many football clubs in the past courted the ultras groups with semi-official status – is being focused on Malaga and Recreativo after the weekend’s matches.

The president of the Professional Football League (LFP) Javier Tebas has confirmed he will set up an investigation into both clubs. If the incidents of intolerant chanting are found to be serious enough then a closure of certain sections of the grounds for games could be ordered.  

At the lower end of the scale would be a partial closure for one or two matches, but it could be extended for an entire season in serious cases.