Spectators of the La Liga match between Valencia CF and Real Betis this Saturday in Mestalla paid, shortly before the start of the match, a moving tribute to the victims of DANA which devastated the Valencian Community at the end of October.
25 days after playing for the last time at home, the “che” team returned to the Mestalla turf in a day full of emotions and with a full crowd in the stands. Some 400 members from some of the 75 municipalities affected by DANA were able to be present thanks to the buses made available by the club.
Over the PA system, as people took their seats, “My Land” by Nino Bravo was playing, and the stands were filled with flags and t-shirts in the colors of the flag of the Valencian Community. The events began with a video in tribute to those affected, while a giant ‘senyera’, on loan from Real Madrid, was displayed in the center of the pitch.
Applause broke out in the public before 80 volunteers and representatives of eleven football schools contracted with the club and affected by the damage entered the field, all to the sound of “Voix de Valence”, performed by Rei Ortolá accompanied by guitar and cello.
The 22 footballers and the referees wore a huge black crepe which they placed on the pitch in memory of all those who died. Then the anthem of the Valencian Community was played, with tabalet and dolçaina, while the supporters kept a silence interrupted by loud applause.
Valencia, lacking points, was finally able to dedicate a victory to touchdowns by DANA after beating Real Betis 4-2.
