Real Sociedad - Barcelona at risk over stadium works
LaLiga are sending technical experts to examine the work at the ground in order to guarantee the safety of the fans at the game to be held on 15 September.
Real Sociedad host Barcelona on 15 September in the middle of renovation works at their Anoeta stadium, with the renewal process removing the running track and bringing the seats down to the touchline. However when Barcelona visit the works will only be 70% completed, posing various complications for the fans, including access to the seating as Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay recently admitted
LaLiga to inspect Anoeta ahead of Real Sociedad - Barcelona
LaLiga has therefore announced they will be sending technical experts to review the works on Monday, just when the new pitch is being laid, to ensure there will be no risks to the fans at the ground when Barcelona visit in the middle of September as the first team Real Sociedad will host in the 2018/19 season.
If the stadium fails to pass the inspection LaLiga could require La Real to play the match against Barcelona elsewhere, giving the Basque club 12 days to find a solution.
The club and the city council of San Sebastian, the owners of the ground, are relaxed in the face of the inspection, arguing that the work is proceeding as planned and in line with safety regulations.
The inspection comes after Rayo Vallecano were forced to close their stadium after it was found to be unsafe, and in light of the new pitch laid at Valladolid which disintegrated during their match against Barcelona, leading to complaints about player safety and a complaint from the Catalan club.