Class act: Aspas told Celta teammates to ease off when Pepelu went in goal
Iago Aspas showed remarkable sportsmanship during Celta Vigo's match against Valencia, instructing his teammates not to attack when an outfield player had to go in goal.
Celta Vigo captain Iago Aspas demonstrated pure class when he instructed his teammates to stop attacking after Valencia were forced to put midfielder Pepelu between the sticks.
Sporting gesture at 4-1
With Celta comfortably leading 4-1 and Valencia’s goalkeeper Agirrezabala unable to continue, the visitors had already used all their substitutions, forcing midfielder Pepelu to don the gloves for the final minutes.
Rather than try to take advantage of having an outfield player in goal, Aspas - showing why he’s such a respected figure in Spanish football - approached the fourth official and then his teammates, telling them to ease off and not attack the Valencia goal.
Manager explains decision
Celta manager Claudio Giráldez explained the sporting gesture in his post-match press conference:
“With the score at 4-1 and three minutes remaining, we spoke with the fourth official and the assistant to try to end the match early,” said Giráldez.
He continued to explain that regulations required the full time to be played, so he spoke with Valencia coach Carlos Corberán to agree on a gentlemanly conclusion to the match.
“It’s what was normal, fair and sporting. It’s what should happen,” the Celta boss added.
Not the first time
This kind of sportsmanship isn’t common in the dog-eat-dog world of professional football, where goal difference can make all the difference come the end of the season.
The incident shows the human side of the beautiful game that sometimes gets lost in the hustle and bustle of modern football. Aspas, at 36, continues to lead by example both with his footballing ability and his character on the pitch.
For Valencia, it was a day to forget, but they’ll surely appreciate the respect shown by their opponents in what was already a difficult situation.