"No Sense": LaLiga Criticized for Proceeding with Matches Amid Spain's Deadly Floods
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone voiced his strong opposition to LaLiga’s decision to proceed with matches this weekend, following catastrophic floods in eastern Spain that have claimed over 200 lives and left many missing. The Valencia region was severely affected by flash floods, leading to the postponement of matches between Real Madrid and Valencia as well as Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano. However, Simeone argued that all games should have been postponed out of respect for those affected by the disaster.
"It's clear that it makes no sense,” Simeone expressed before Atletico’s upcoming game against Las Palmas. “What is happening is incredibly hard. It’s very emotional to see people going out into the streets to help in any way they can… but there are people who are going through unimaginable suffering, and here we are, continuing as if nothing has happened.”
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick also suggested that it would have been more appropriate to cancel all games. Drawing from his own experience with flooding in Germany three years ago, Flick acknowledged the difficulty of making such decisions but stated that he would have postponed the full round of matches to honor the tragedy. “It’s a tragedy not just for this region but for Spain as a whole. If I could make the decision, maybe I would do that.”
Despite the calls for cancellations, LaLiga president Javier Tebas defended the decision to continue most games. He argued that playing could serve as a means of resilience and solidarity, especially by keeping unaffected areas operational. "The best message is to be on the front line in our places of work… giving visibility to the situation and explaining to the world that we must come together to move forward," Tebas explained.
To honor those affected, LaLiga implemented a moment of silence before matches, and the league partnered with the Red Cross to raise disaster relief funds during broadcasts. Players and coaches have shown solidarity with flood victims through gestures and personal messages. For example, Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez dedicated a goal to a friend whose mother is still missing due to the flood. Displaying a shirt with “strength Valencia,” Gutierrez described the situation as “absolute madness.”
Getafe coach Jose Bordalas echoed Simeone’s concerns, calling the decision to play “insensitive” given the magnitude of the disaster. He emphasized that “these are difficult days for everyone,” and noted that this was one of Spain’s most significant natural disasters in recent decades. “We are focused on the immense tragedy that has struck the Valencian community,” Bordalas shared.
Amid these calls for postponement, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez acknowledged the gravity of the situation, describing it as the second deadliest flood in Europe this century. He also announced a significant increase in security forces dedicated to relief efforts.
The continuation of LaLiga matches amidst a national tragedy has sparked a debate about the role of sports in times of crisis. While some argue for postponement as a mark of respect, others view the games as a way to bring the country together and raise awareness.
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