Valencia CF Calls for Unity Ahead of Real Madrid Showdown
The Ché entity champions a stance of rising above provocation and standing firm against accusations that do not reflect their true identity.
Real Madrid welcomes Valencia CF this Saturday for matchday 13 of the national championship. The game is expected to be heavily influenced by last season’s controversy at Mestalla, where a segment of Valencia fans faced harsh criticism for racist behavior.
In the 71st minute of that match, Vinicius Jr. looked toward the stands and singled out a fan. He later described being called a monkey, a moment that caught many players by surprise. While some teammates urged calm, others joined in the request for restraint, focusing on keeping the game fair and respectful.
After the match, coach Carlo Ancelotti reflected on the incident. He suggested that stopping play could be a solution in the face of racist abuse and emphasized that the stadium should not tolerate insults aimed at players. Valencian supporters interpreted his comments differently, circulating the idea that Ancelotti generalized the issue rather than naming the individuals involved. This misperception fed a broader debate about responsibility and accountability within the stadium environment.
That context prompted Valencia to send a letter to the 579 Valencia fans traveling to Madrid for the upcoming LaLiga 2023/24 fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu. The club urged the supporters to rise above provocation and to act as ambassadors of the team’s values in the capital city.
The Valencia letter to fans
Dear Valencian supporter,
Thank you for purchasing your away ticket to watch Valencia CF clash with Real Madrid next Saturday. Your presence and backing remain crucial as the team pursues an important win on the road.
As known, last season during the Mestalla encounter, the club faced unfounded labels. Valencia emphasises that Valencianism is not a racist hobby and Mestalla does not belong to racism. These are not the values that define the club or its supporters.
As head coach Rubén Baraja stated, the club and its fans must stand up against those who have accused them of misrepresenting their identity. The best way to demonstrate this is through conduct in the stands at the Santiago Bernabéu, where many eyes and cameras will be watching.
Racism has no place in football or society. Eradicating it requires the commitment of everyone. The club supports decisive action against those who share racist sentiments, including swift consequences for those responsible. Valencia CF reaffirmes its clear stance against any form of discrimination. Let the game be enjoyed, the team supported with dignity, and the club’s core values honoured on every occasion.
Source: Goal