Football fans are guilty of throwing their toys out of the pram when results don’t go their way. But Real Betis have a very different reason for launching thousands of soft toys onto the pitch.
Every December fixture before Christmas, the club’s generous supporters come together for a heart-warming tradition that transcends football. The touching gesture, which began in 2018, involves fans showering the Estadio Benito Villamarin pitch with thousands of soft toys for underprivileged children.
At the sound of the half-time whistle, the entire stadium comes alive as thousands of teddy bears, dolls and other gifts fill the air and are then gathered by volunteers and donated to local kids in need in Seville and the surrounding area.
Initiated as a charitable act by the La Liga club and its supporters to aid those less fortunate, it has since evolved into an annual spectacle, with footage of the incredible scenes often being shared around the world. The magical sight was shared across social media on Sunday night as more than 51,000 fans turned out to watch the 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano.
One person on X wrote: “Amidst everything we see in football these days, it is refreshing to see something like this.” Another said: “Spanish football clubs have some good traditions which show their integration in local society. Some German clubs also like that. Rest are all boringly generic and commercialized.” While a third added: “We absolutely need this in Scottish football.”
Posting footage of the clip last night, Betis said: “You guys are the best! Thank you, as always!.”