November 5 – The tragedy of flash floods in Spain that have killed more than 215 people in the Valencia region has shocked the world. In response the Royal Spanish FA (RFEF) cancelled the La Liga matches between Valencia and Real Madrid, as well as Villarreal’s game against Rayo Vallecano.
Real manager, Carlo Ancelotti, was critical of the decision, saying that all football in Spain should have been suspended after six top-flight matches went ahead at the weekend.
“Football is a party and you can only celebrate and party when you, your family, and everybody is well. When people are not well, you don’t party,” said Ancelotti.
“Football has to stop. Because it is the most important of the least important things in life.
“But we are not the decision-makers. We have to follow the instructions of those who are in charge.
“There are many ways to help. Football had to stop and then help. Everyone has been clear about it – nobody wanted to play.”
Ancelotti was not the only voice decrying the decision. Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has said it made “no sense” for games to go ahead at the weekend, and Barcelona’s Hansi Flick said he would have cancelled them.
Real will face one of Ancelotti’s old teams, AC Milan, in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, however, the game has lost its meaning to one of the most successful managers in the history of the game.
“It was supposed to be a special game for me, facing Milan. But there is no meaning in talking about football now,” he said.
“It has been a difficult week, not because of what happened with the Ballon d’Or or El Clasico. It happened and that’s that – congratulations to the winners. Our sadness is not about that. It is for what is happening here in Spain.”
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1734803338labto1734803338ofdlr1734803338owedi1734803338sni@o1734803338fni1734803338