Those attending this Saturday’s LaLiga match between Valencia CF and Real Betis in Mestalla paid, just before the start of the match, an emotional tribute to the victims of DANA that 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 grass in a day full of emotions and with a full crowd in the stands. Some 400 members from some of the 75 towns affected by DANA were able to be present thanks to the buses provided by the club.
Over the public address system, while people occupied their seats, ‘My Land’ by Nino Bravo played, and the stands were filled with flags and t-shirts with the colors of the flag of the Valencian Community. The events began with a video to commemorate those affected, while a giant ‘senyera’, on loan from Real Madrid, was displayed in the center of the field.
Applause broke out among the public before 80 volunteers and representatives of eleven of the football schools with an agreement with the club and affected by the damage came out onto the field, all to the strains of ‘Voices of Valencia’, performed by Rei Ortolá accompanied by guitar and cello.
The 22 footballers and the referees carried a huge black crepe that they placed on the grass in memory of all those who died. After that, the anthem of the Valencian Community sounded, with tabalet and dolçaina, while the fans kept a silence that was broken by a loud applause.
Valencia, badly in need of points, was finally able to dedicate a victory to those affected by DANA after beating Real Betis 4-2.
Source: www.eldiario.es
