La Liga could resume with Betis-Sevilla behind closed doors derby on 11 June - BBC Sport
La Liga chief Javier Tebas says the Betis-Sevilla derby could restart the season on 11 June.
Last updated on .From the section European Football

A behind closed doors derby between Real Betis and Sevilla could restart the La Liga season on 11 June.

La Liga chief Javier Tebas told Spanish TV he hoped the match can be "a tribute to all the people who have died".

However, Tebas also warned footballers to "be careful with their actions" after four Sevilla players apologised for breaking rules on social gathering.

Ever Banega, Lucas Ocampos, Franco Vazquez and Luuk de Jong were pictured at a party at the weekend.

Spain has eased its strict lockdown rules, but gatherings of more than 10 people are still not allowed.

"Players are an example to society and should be careful with their actions," Tebas said. "I call on all footballers to not act like this. We have to be very careful because a lot of people's jobs are at stake."

On Saturday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez gave permission for the country's top two divisions to resume from 8 June.

La Liga players started training in groups of no more than 10 last week.

Football in Spain was suspended on 12 March because of the coronavirus pandemic and Tebas said the next objective was to progress to full training.

"Right now that's our main goal, and if we can achieve that then we can start to bring forward the return of the competition. Our aim is to be able to announce the first four rounds of fixtures next week," he added.

"The government's announcement took us by surprise but it shows that professional football is very important to this country."

Champions Barcelona lead La Liga by two points over nearest challengers Real Madrid with 11 matches remaining.

The players in the top two divisions were only able to return to individual training in early May after being tested for the virus.

Five players tested positive for the virus across Spain's top two divisions and went into isolation prior to the first phase of group training being allowed from 18 May.

Meanwhile, Portugal's Primeira Liga will resume on 3 June, with Portimonense against Gil Vicente and Famalicao hosting leaders Porto.