Kicking Up a Storm: Football Fans and Players Unite in Outrage Over Matchday Cancellation
Alicante (EFE) – Spanish football, coaches and players have spoken out, deploring and criticizing the decision not to cancel La Liga and Segunda Division matches. This is considered a sign of condolence and respect for the victims of the region affected by Dana (a weather phenomenon caused by an isolated high-pressure system), especially in the Valencian region.
Getafe manager Jose Bordalas expressed his displeasure at playing the match scheduled for Monday in Vigo, as he is from his hometown of Comitat, in an area affected by the storm.
“These are tough days. We continue to be in shock as match days go by. We’re seeing all kinds of images and testimonies and it’s frightening. The match must take place. “It should have been called off,” the Alicante-born coach said, stressing that there was “no point” in playing the match in the midst of the worst disaster in decades.
Elche manager Eder Sarabia was also particularly vocal, downplaying the away win against Eibar (0-2) and insisting that “the game should not have been played.”
“We are in a profession that creates hope and distracts people from reality and problems, but we are also human beings,” explained the Basque coach.
“Moreover, we are from the area and instinctively we want to be there and cheer. It’s sad that we played the game,” Sarabia said, adding that political leaders ” “We are not responding to what society is showing us.”
“Fortunately, when problems arise, Spanish society stands up, shows solidarity and puts everything aside to support those in need, but politicians are not up to that standard.” I said it after the game.
“I haven’t voted in years because they don’t represent me at all. Their goal seems to be to stay in power. The goal of politicians is to help the people and the country need It should be about making a call to see what they are doing, and not about taking advantage of political interests, ”the Basque coach concluded.
Deportivo Alavés manager Luis García Plaza also criticized the decision to play the match, despite having many connections with the Valencian region.
“We shouldn’t have had this match given everything that’s going on right now. I think we should all focus on helping people, especially politicians.” said after the win against Mallorca.
Additionally, Atlético Madrid’s Argentinian manager Diego Simeone said before the match that there was “no point” in playing this matchday.
“What’s happening now is very tough. It’s heartwarming to see people coming out with shovels and other things to help. It’s very emotional. This says a lot about our country and its people,” the coach emphasized. did.
Barcelona’s German coach, Hansi Flick, was equally emphatic, saying that if he had the choice, “I might have canceled the matchday.”
“What happened in Valencia is similar to what happened in Germany a few years ago. We support them, but it is La Liga’s decision whether to cancel the match day or not,” the coach declared. I did.
Leganes coach Borja Jiménez described the situation caused by flooding in the Valencian region as “inhuman” and said: “We have decided against Girona (4-3) given the sacrifices made to families. “It’s very difficult to concentrate,” he admitted.
Oviedo coach Javi Calleja, who has past ties to Villarreal and Levante, said he was “surprised that football has not been suspended, given the number of dead and missing” after the tragedy. Ta.
“We all have to show solidarity and make sure humanity survives. Many people are suffering. There is no point in not canceling the league,” he stressed.
Neither Ana Torolda, the Levante player, nor Toni Lato, the Mallorcan player from Valencia, could hide their sadness and anger at having to compete in such emotional circumstances.
“This was a very tough mental moment, especially after losing a teammate. Many people are searching around for their loved ones. It is inhumane that we are here today. Our people It’s difficult not to be able to help them,” he said after the game against Osasuna.
Players from the Valencia and Levante women’s teams also spoke out against the continuation of the match, saying matches should be suspended in their competition and the men’s league.
“I don’t understand why all matches aren’t canceled. Maybe they don’t recognize the gravity of the situation?” Levante’s Ana Torolda said on his X account, while Valencia’s Asun Martínez said “I completely agree. “It seems crazy that nothing has been canceled.”
Meanwhile, Valencia captain Marta Caro described the fact that no matches in La Liga or Liga F have been called off as “absolute madness”.
“People outside of Valencia cannot imagine the scale of this catastrophe. There is more to come. You don’t know the situation here,” the midfielder reiterated.
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