LaLiga assistant referee left BLOODIED and taken away in an ambulance after collision with pitchside camera during Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao game

A LaLiga assistant referee was left with a bloodied face after a collision with a pitchside camera during Sunday’s game between Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao.

Female official Guadalupe Porras was returning to her position on the touchline after confirming Chimy Avila’s 13th-minute opening goal for Betis.

The television coverage didn’t initially pick up what had unfolded as Betis medical staff rushed over to attend to Porras, helping her onto a stretcher before moving her into an ambulance.

But, according to Relevo, she collided with a DAZN 4K camera operator who was filming close-ups of the goal celebrations.

Porras had to be replaced on the sideline by fourth official Holgueras Castellanos following a lengthy delay to the game.

WARNING – GRAPHIC CONTENT 

Porras required medical attention after her collision with the DAZN pitchside camera 

The incident happened shortly after Real Betis took a 13th-minute lead in Sunday’s game

The crowd at the Benito Villamarin applauded Porras off the field but questions were raised about the proximity of the camera to the action.

Former LaLiga referee Eduardo Iturralde Gonzalez told Cadena SER: ‘Message to Javier Tebas [LaLiga president] – the camera goes where it shouldn’t go.

‘Please let them work, the assistant referee is as professional as a player.’

Betis doubled their lead when Bilbao’s Yuri Berchiche scored an own goal on 38 minutes.

Gorka Guruzeta halved the deficit during the considerable amount of first-half stoppage time but Johnny Cardoso wrapped up the points for Betis, who sit sixth in the table.

Real Betis celebrate their third goal, scored by Johnny Cardoso, in Sunday’s 3-1 victory