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Alex Kirkland, ESPN FC
AtlĂ©tico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has condemned the decision to go ahead with eight LaLiga matches this weekend after fatal flooding in Spain’s Valencia region.
The deadliest flash floods in Spain’s modern history have killed at least 211 people and dozens are still missing, four days after torrential rain swept the Valencia region, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on Saturday.
Sánchez added that emergency services have carried out more than 4800 rescues in the days since, and helped more than 30,000 people in flooded homes, streets and businesses.
A total of eight thousand soldiers have been deployed to help rescue and recovery efforts, while thousands of volunteers have also helped clear roads and provide food and water to those in need.
The tragedy has become Europe’s worst flood disaster since 1967 when at least 500 people died in Portugal.
Saturday’s match between Valencia and Real Madrid, as well as Villarreal against Rayo Vallecano were among several games postponed over the weekend following the floods, while the regional government declared three days of mourning.
“It makes no sense,” Simeone told reporters ahead of his team’s home game against Las Palmas on Sunday.
“What is happening is very difficult. Moving, seeing people who have gone out to the streets to help, who are using shovels and tools who are trying to collaborate.
“It speaks volumes about the country, the people and we want to help where we can. .”
Osasuna striker Ante Budimir showed his support for the victims of the disaster on Saturday, celebrating his goal against Real Valladolid by holding up a shirt emblazoned with messages of solidarity.
Osasuna coach Vicente Moreno’s hometown of Massanassa has been affected by floods. His assistant, Dani PendĂn, dedicated the team’s 1-0 victory to him and the victims.
“I want to give victory to all the victims, to those affected and to the coaches, who have worked hard (to be here),” said Pendin. “He is not sleeping, I want to dedicate this to him and everyone who is suffering.
“He’s tired, but he hasn’t lost a day and not everyone is doing what he’s doing. Training, preparing for matches, traveling in the Copa del Rey…. If anyone deserves it, it’s him.”
Girona announced that they will donate all proceeds from Saturday’s match “to the victims of the terrible storm that hit the Valencian Community.”
Players celebrated a goal in the 4-3 win over Leganes by holding up a shirt with “Força Valencia” on the back.
One of the scorers, Miguel GutiĂ©rrez, took two shirts, one for a friend. He explained: “The most important thing to talk about today is what happened with the flood. The match took second place. Apart from Madrid, Valencia is the city with the most and I have close friends. I have seen the video, I have called video with friends and this is a real disaster, real madness.
“The shirt, the first one I took, was for my friend, Enrique, whose mother is missing. He was carried away by the current and he is still trying to find her. I told him, ‘if I score, I will dedicate the goal to you, I will dedicate it to everyone the people of Valencia.’
“It’s crazy what has happened and gives me goosebumps just remembering everything I’ve seen, all the videos … all the help they received is still not enough.”
But. Girona coach Michel echoed Simeone’s stance that the match should not go ahead.
“I have told you that there is nothing to celebrate because this is a game that should not be played,” he said. “Miguel has loved ones there, I don’t, but what happened takes you by surprise. It was a tragedy that we saw in Valencia.
“But I’m proud of my players in terms of sports. I can’t ask for more from them.”
There will be a moment of silence before every LaLiga game is played this weekend, while the league is also working with the Red Cross charity to help raise money for those affected by the floods.
