Following a morning controversy sparked by a social media video, observers saw a go-go dancer in the VIP area of Mallorca’s Son Moix stadium during a match against FC Barcelona. Leonardo Melucci, the owner of El Presuntuoso restaurant, spoke to Diario de Mallorca from the Prensa Ibérica group, describing the appearance as an experience that goes beyond football. He called the go-go concept an offensive label for the performers he sees as artists rather than mere entertainers.
“We are not in a church, this is a restaurant”, he stated while defending the display that unfolded earlier in the day. Melucci emphasized that football has increasingly become a spectacle and suggested the club is exploring a model similar to what is seen in the United States, where collaboration between stadium venues and dining spaces creates more dynamic entertainment. He noted that the pitches were being converted into spaces that resemble entertainment venues, with cheerleaders during previews and additional shows expanding the event experience.
A post from an Instagram account showed the moment in question.
A post shared by Ariana Suarez (@arianasuarezclinic)
Regarding Real Mallorca, Melucci claimed that an agreement had been reached with the club to explore this kind of experience. He underscored the goal of offering something that goes beyond pure football and highlighted the club president’s openness to new ideas. Andy Kohlberg, the president of Real Mallorca, appeared to support the notion that the club approves of such displays. Mallorca itself aimed to create a dynamic space, according to Melucci.
I miss having go-go dancers in VIP??? pic.twitter.com/s9GFkkdQiF
— Mallorquinista (@CantaToni) September 28, 2023
“This is art, it is performance”, Melucci commented. He added that the field was built with tasks in mind that extend beyond sports and claimed that on non-game days the restaurant would open in November. He explained that the concept would feature varied experiences each day, with magicians or DJs occasionally appearing and dancers possibly returning at a later date. “We created something that the market demands”, he said, noting that the initiative is meant to diversify what the venue offers and attract a broader audience.