A chaotic pre-season clash between Real Betis and Como FC in Cádiz turned ugly as a mass brawl erupted at half-time, overshadowing what was meant to be a friendly match. Tensions boiled over after a heated confrontation between Pablo Fornals and Maximo Perrone, sparking a physical altercation involving several players from both sides.

The incident began when former West Ham midfielder Fornals appeared to land a punch on Perrone, prompting the Argentine to retaliate. What followed was a flurry of on-field scuffles, with players rushing in from all directions. In the confusion, Betis striker Cucho Hernandez accidentally struck his own teammate Natan while aiming for a Como player, adding to the surreal scenes.

Despite being at the center of the drama, Fornals escaped a red card. However, Perrone and ex-Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin were both sent off. Bellerin’s red card came after persistent protests to the referee, which crossed the line and contributed to the already tense atmosphere at the Estadio Municipal de La Línea de la Concepción.

At the time of the incident, Como were leading 2-0. But after the break, Betis mounted a comeback, levelling the score before Ivan Azon scored a late winner for Cesc Fabregas’ side, sealing a 3-2 victory in a match that will be remembered more for its chaos than its football.

The Real Betis vs Como FC fight could have lasting implications. With domestic seasons just around the corner, potential suspensions loom for key Betis players including Fornals, Bellerin, and Cucho — all of whom play pivotal roles for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, who open their La Liga campaign against newly promoted Elche.

As pre-season matches go, this one made headlines for all the wrong reasons — and both clubs may now face disciplinary scrutiny as a result.