SEVILLA’S head of security Fernando Bernal has reportedly been arrested for shoplifting after allegedly being caught with items worth £700.
Bernal has worked with the La Liga club for over a decade after initially joining in 2015.
He took the position after previously working with Spanish police and is usually responsible for overseeing the club’s security on matchdays.
According to Diario de Sevilla, Bernal was accused of theft at a shopping centre in the Nervion region in Seville.
He was allegedly caught leaving with a bag containing “at least two items of clothing”, some sunglasses and a pair of pliers.
The items are believed to be worth around 800 euros (£692).
Bernal was stopped by security staff at the shopping centre, before he was arrested after the Citizen Security Brigade arrived, the publication claims.
The outlet says Bernal was held in a cell before being released on bail pending trial.
Bernal is a “highly respected officer with an impeccable record”, the report goes on, and says his arrest “comes as a complete surprise”.
It claims Bernal did not identify himself as a former police officer or Sevilla‘s head of security during his arrest.
It is understood Sevilla have not taken any action against Bernal at this time.
Sevilla declined to comment when approached by SunSport.
He faces between six and 18 months in prison if found guilty, according to Article 234 of the Spanish Penal Code, should it be proven that good worth more than 400 euros was stolen.
But if Bernal is found guilty, he could escape with a fine given that he does not have a criminal record.
Bernal specialised in crowd and riot control when he worked for Spain‘s National Police.
The news comes just days after Sevilla played out a 1-1 draw with La Liga rivals Rayo Vallecano at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
Sevilla are the most successful team in the history of the Europa League after winning seven titles in their history, four more than any other side.
