Betis could well stake a claim to being one of the most popular sides in La Liga. Obviously, they cannot compete with the likes of Madrid or Barcelona in terms of fan-base, but for every Culé devotee, there is a Colchonero and Madridista wishing them the worst of fortune. Betis' only ire comes from their neighbours, Sevilla FC, but that is often good-natured, certainly in comparison to other local rivalries. The recent Europa League ties bore testament to an atmosphere that could serve as a lesson to many.
Anthropologists could easily make comparisons with the Andalusian personality and Betis. Eminently likeable, good company and always unpredictable, Betis are capable of taking Barcelona to the cleaners and then lose to a fourth division team made of plumbers and postmen four days later. The verisimilitude between Andalusia and Betis can be noted on several strata, the comical mismanagement of the club's finances, the failure to modernise, the insistence on throwing good money after bad; the names involved in the local news stories could be changed for that of Real Betis and the story would fit. That is the real tragedy at the club, this situation could have been avoided, there is enough talent at the club to reach forty points, at the very least. Beñat was the difference that took them to the next level, but even without him, to say Betis are only 66% as good as Valladolid beggars belief.
As Sociedad comfortably put away a penalty early in the second half, the local fans began to sing "You're not fit to wear the shirt". Even if Getafe had left the door open a little, the pluck and gumption had abandoned Betis long ago, tonight's exercise was akin to little more than requesting permission to switch off the life-support machine.
Whether they are fit to wear it or not, you have to wonder how many of the players on show tonight will relish a trip to Sabadell next season? Many will fancy themselves as an attractive proposition for other first division clubs, remember Betis got into this mess by trying to play decent football, clubs like Osasuna, who will probably save themselves, will survive without the need to entertain the crowd, but an array of toothless performances in the last month may make prospective suitors question the wisdom of such a venture. It is quite conceivable that Real Sociedad did not even ask for the hot water to be turned on at full time, given the little effort needed to help themselves to the three points.
Five years ago, from the same seat I saw an unscriptable level of misfortune send Betis down against Valladolid. Tears and disbelief filled those final minutes, this time it has been different, few held any hope of survival, the performances on the field have nene nowhere near enough to suggest there could be any other end to this forgettable season. However, the time to look to the future is now, the club would be wise to take as much money as they can get for its collection of underachievers. This area of Spain is famed for its ability to unearth new young talent, that and some intelligent signings of players capable of challenging in the second division holds they key to a swift return. Betis need an overhaul, both on and off the park, if that fails to happen, then we might have to wait a long while to see them back in the top flight.