Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed that football in Spain should have been suspended in light of the devastating flash floods that resulted in over 215 fatalities in the Valencia region.
Following La Liga’s request to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Real Madrid’s match in Valencia and Villarreal’s game against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga were postponed.
Despite these cancellations, six other top-flight matches proceeded over the weekend. Last week, six Copa del Rey fixtures involving La Liga clubs, including Valencia, were also postponed as authorities advised against non-essential travel in the affected areas .
“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.”
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 host AC Milan in the Champions League group stage on Tuesday.
Ancelotti won eight trophies, including two Champions League titles, as Milan manager from 2001 to 2009.
His Real team lost 4-0 to Barcelona on 26 October, and two days later Real striker Vinicius Jr finished second behind Rodri for the Ballon d’Or.
Football matters have since been firmly put in perspective by the tragedy in Valencia.
“It was supposed to be a special game for me, facing Milan. But there is no meaning in talking about football now,” said Ancelotti.
“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.”
The Valencia region has recently experienced an overwhelming amount of rainfall, equivalent to an entire year’s worth, causing significant disruption. On Sunday, during a visit to the hard-hit town of Paiporta, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain faced backlash from angry protesters, who threw mud and other objects at them.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was also targeted but was evacuated quickly to ensure his safety.
In Barcelona, torrential rain led to severe flooding on Monday, resulting in chaos at El Prat Airport, where over 60 flights were either canceled, delayed, or rerouted. Additionally, rail services were suspended due to the adverse weather conditions .