Cristina Pedroche publicly backed the criticism surrounding a recent post from Vallecano Vallecano fans on social media, a topic she followed closely because of an ensuing discussion on March 8. The incident drew attention to a public exchange that connected a football club, its public stance, and a broader debate about how public figures address sensitive issues on commemorative dates.
“Our commemoration and emotional respect for the victims of COVID-19 and our solidarity with their families and friends, when three years have passed since the beginning The official Twitter account of the Vallecano team wrote, in the early hours of International Women’s Day, about the serious consequences of the epidemic in our country.”
A large number of users criticized this post, arguing that it linked the ongoing memorial to the complex public health crisis with a particular narrative surrounding the events of 8 March three years ago. Some observers pointed out this framing as a factor in sparking debate about how different sectors interpreted the pandemic and the public discourse around its spread in the country.
This implication prompted a user to recall the timeline from 8 March 2020, when Rayo Vallecano faced Elche in a match that drew significant attention. The question arose: could the stadium have been closed, or was the virus simply reflected in the 8M show? The exchange highlighted how anniversaries tied to the pandemic continue to surface in sports conversations and the risk of mixed messaging during moments of national reflection.
Cristina Pedroche then commented on the controversial statement from the team. The Atresmedia presenter, who is preparing to lead a new phase of a popular program on Antena 3, offered a clear personal response: the message did not represent her views and that every 8M deserves the same respect and attention. Her reaction underscored the tension between institutional communications from a sports club and the personal voices of public figures who interpret commemorations in their own way. [citation: Pedroche response and public reaction]