Cazorla calls out La Liga over Real Oviedo's constant lunchtime kickoffs
Oviedo captain Santi Cazorla has taken to social media to express frustration at his club repeatedly being scheduled for 14:00 Sunday kickoffs in La Liga.
Santi Cazorla has finally lost his trademark smile and called out La Liga officials over Real Oviedo’s constant lunchtime kickoff schedule that’s driving fans and players up the wall.
The Final Straw
Even a bloke known for his positive outlook has limits. Cazorla took to social media after learning Oviedo’s upcoming match against Athletic Club at the Tartiere on February 15th would be yet another 14:00 Sunday kickoff. The midfield maestro sarcastically posted: “It’s a joke now playing always at 14:00 @LaLiga”.
And fair play to him - the numbers don’t lie:
- Of Oviedo’s 10 weekend home matches this season, a staggering 8 have been scheduled for 14:00
- Only two exceptions: Real Madrid (21:30 Sunday) and Real Sociedad (18:30 Saturday)
- The next home fixture against Girona? You guessed it - 14:00 Saturday
- Away at Rayo Vallecano on February 7th? Same story - 14:00
The Silent Club
While Cazorla’s gone public with his frustrations, the club brass has kept schtum on the matter. The only official acknowledgment came during a shareholders’ meeting when president Martín Peláez confirmed what many suspected - Oviedo receives no additional bread and honey for these unpopular kickoff times.
Fan Impact
The 14:00 slot is widely considered the worst for filling seats - right when most Spanish families would be sitting down for their Sunday lunch. For Oviedo supporters, what started as an annoyance has become a proper liberty as the pattern continues week after week.
Cazorla might have delivered his message with a touch of humor, but make no mistake - this is no laughing matter for a club and fanbase growing increasingly tired of being handed the short straw when it comes to kickoff times.