Betis Forget Rivalry To Support Puerta

Real Betis have put aside all their rivalry with Sevilla to show unprecedented support for Antonio Puerta after he suffered two heart attacks on Saturday evening.

The football world has been showing its support for the Sevilla forward after he collapsed on the pitch during the encounter with Getafe and was rushed to hospital.

Players, coaching staff and directors from Betis visited the player in hospital on Sunday, after the club's fans had displayed placards at their game against Recre wishing Puerta well.

Pepe León, the Betis president, has reflected the views of the majority of fans as he stated that football was a secondary concern at this time.

"There are some things that are just more important than football," he told Radio Marca.

Betis also posted a message of support on their offical club website which stated: "Real Betis Balompié want to give their full support to Sevilla player Antonio Puerta.

"From all at the Verdiblanco club we wish him a quick recovery.

"Also, Real Betis Balompié want to convey their best wishes to his family at this difficult time."

Internet message boards, television shows and radio programmes have also been inundated in Spain with messages of support from fans of all clubs.

Puerta had a heart attack on the pitch before being able to walk to the dressing room, where he collapsed again and was rushed to the Virgen del Rocio hospital.

"He is in the intensive care unit where he has been given assisted ventilation and is experiencing hemodynamic instability. The prognosis is very serious," stated a doctor treating the player.