Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 11:49
| Updated 1:30 p.m.
The world of football has shown its solidarity with the victims of DANA that has hit the Valencian Community and Castilla-La Mancha, leaving a tragic death toll of at least 62. Vinicius, Real Madrid forward, has expressed his support on social networks with a message of encouragement: “Much encouragement to everyone.” This message was published after the Madrid club issued an official statement, in which the president and the Board of Directors conveyed their condolences to the families of the deceased and their support to the affected communities: “Real Madrid CF, its president and “its Board of Directors want to express their condolences to the families and loved ones of the people who died due to the storm that many areas of our country are suffering.”
Real Madrid’s next match will be precisely against Valencia, at the Mestalla stadium, where Vinicius has already faced racist chants in the past. After not having won the Ballon d’Or, a hostile atmosphere is expected in the stands towards the Brazilian during Saturday’s match. Another of the white team players who has sent a message of support is Luka Modric: “A lot of encouragement and a lot of strength for all the people of Valencia and the other provinces affected by the storm.” Other clubs, such as Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona, as well as LaLiga, have also joined in expressing their condolences.
Professional football clubs in the Valencian Community, such as Valencia, Villarreal, Levante UD, Castellón, Eldense and Elche, have published messages on their social networks expressing solidarity with the victims affected by DANA. Valencia expressed: «Valencia CF wants to convey its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who died due to #DANA. RIP. “A lot of strength to all the neighbors and affected populations and to the groups that are working on the prevention and consequences of the effects of the storm.” In addition, the Mestalla club has made itself available to the authorities to collaborate in whatever is necessary.
Valencia coach Rubén Baraja also sent a message of support: «I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the people who died due to this terrible catastrophe in the province of Valencia. My strongest hug also to all of you who are suffering from the floods and to those who are working to help.
Suspended matches
The seriousness of the situation in the region has led to the suspension of several sporting events. The Spanish Football Federation (FEF) has postponed the Copa del Rey matches scheduled for this Wednesday, such as the confrontation between Valencia and Parla Escuela and Levante’s duel against Pontevedra. The FEF and LaLiga have also announced that, in memory of the victims, all competition matches organized in the coming days will begin with a minute of silence.
The Getafe match, scheduled for this Thursday in Manises, one of the areas affected by DANA and very close to Valencia capital, is also pending confirmation as to whether it will be played or not. The Madrid club has requested the suspension of the match, and its coach, José Bordalás, stated: “We are shocked by everything that has happened, we are in solidarity; “It’s not the best time to play.” Furthermore, the match between Ejea and Hércules has already been suspended for tomorrow.
The Valencia City Council recommended the suspension of the Eurocup match between Valencia Basket and 7-Bet Lietkabelis Panevezys. The meeting, which was scheduled for today, has been suspended, and in the coming days the best options to reschedule it will be evaluated.
In this context, Spanish football joins in a message of support to the families of the victims and all the people affected, as well as to the emergency teams who are working tirelessly in the face of the serious floods in the Levante region.
