A pre-season friendly between Real Betis and Como descended into chaos on Wednesday evening, with former West Ham star Pablo Fornals involved in a fist fight.
Punches Thrown as Brawl Breaks Out Between Real Betis and Como
Several former Premier League stars were involved in a mass brawl during a pre-season friendly between Real Betis and Como in Cadiz on Wednesday night.
On the stroke of half-time, with the Serie A side two goals to the good, a scuffle erupted.
Como’s Maximo Perrone, who permanently joined the club from Manchester City in July, appeared to push his hand into the face of ex-West Ham United midfielder Pablo Fornals.
In retaliation, the Spaniard slapped Perrone before the Argentine responded with a punch.
Unsurprisingly, chaos ensued, with players and coaches clashing near the centre circle.
Betis forward Cucho Hernandez even tried to land a flying punch on Perrone, but unfortunately for him, he accidentally connected with his own teammate, Natan.
Following the fracas, Perrone was shown a straight red card. Incredibly, Fornals escaped punishment, however former Arsenal and Barcelona defender Hector Bellerin didn’t.
He was shown given marching orders after trying to speak to the referee as he aimed to defuse the situation, in what was seemingly a case of mistaken identity.
This was confirmed when both sides headed in for the break, as Bellerin’s red card was reversed. It was then awarded to Fornals instead, with both sides reduced to 10 men for the second half.
Additionally, Giovani Lo Celso and Patrick Cutrone were shown yellow cards.
Both clubs could now face retrospective penalties due to the altercation.
WATCH: Real Betis vs Como Fight
Real Betis v Como in a friendly tonight 🤛 pic.twitter.com/PxH2jhZSPu
— 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 (@thecasualultra) August 6, 2025
Betis Mount Fightback, But Como Get Last Laugh
Conference League runners-up Betis are 3/1 to finish in the top four in LaLiga this term according to UK betting sites and mounted an impressive fightback in the second period.
Just seven minutes apart, in the 55th and 62nd minutes, Isco and ex-Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo scored a goal apiece to restore the parity at Estadio Municipal Ciudad de La Linea.
The remainder of the tie was fairly even, with possession split 50-50.
It would be Cesc Fabregas’ Italian top-flight hopefuls that had the last laugh out in southern Spain, however, with Ivan Azon Monzon slotting home the winner on the 92-minute mark.
Iván Azón vuelve a marca gol en esta pretemporada con el Como. Estando en la rampa de salida, el canterano del Real Zaragoza sigue demostrando que merece un hueco en el equipo de Cesc. pic.twitter.com/wlxI2yGFJG
— Jorge Bueno (@jorgebuenolo) August 6, 2025
Both sides have one pre-season friendly remaining before the 2025-26 season gets underway, with Betis entertaining Malaga on Saturday, while Como face off against Barcelona on Sunday.
Manuel Pellegrini’s Los Verdiblancos kickstart their competitive campaign against Elche in LaLiga following that, as I Lariani take on Sudtirol in the Coppa Italia first round.
