Madrid fan spat on and abused in Mestalla stands during Valencia clash
Shocking scenes at Valencia's Mestalla stadium as a Real Madrid supporter faced harassment and was spat on by home fans during Los Blancos' 2-0 victory.
A Sunday evening at Mestalla turned nasty for one visiting supporter as footage captured a Real Madrid fan being harassed, having his scarf stolen, and ultimately being spat on by Valencia ultras.
Ugly scenes mar Madrid’s victory
Valencia-Madrid fixtures have always been proper tasty affairs, but in recent years the rivalry has intensified beyond the pitch and spilled into the stands. Sunday’s clash, which ended in a 2-0 win for Los Blancos, was unfortunately marred by some absolutely shocking behaviour.
Movistar cameras captured the disturbing sequence of events:
- A Madrid supporter sitting in what appears to be a mixed section of the stands was targeted by several local fans
- The supporter’s Madrid scarf was snatched away
- When he attempted to retrieve it, he was confronted aggressively by a Valencia fan who took the scarf again
- As the Madrid fan was escorted away by police, another Valencia supporter leaned over a railing
- This thug attempted to hit the visitor before disgustingly spitting on him
”Mbappé” chants add to toxic atmosphere
The incident wasn’t the only blot on Valencia’s copybook during the match. The atmosphere turned even more sour in the second half when:
- During a break in play for a medical incident in the crowd
- The Mestalla end broke into offensive chants targeting Kylian Mbappé
The French star had the last laugh, though, scoring Madrid’s second goal in the 91st minute to seal the victory – his first goal at Mestalla after failing to find the net on his previous visit.
Growing concern over fan behaviour
This incident adds to growing concerns about fan behaviour in Spanish football, with the Valencia-Madrid rivalry becoming particularly heated in recent seasons. What should be a sporting contest is increasingly overshadowed by unacceptable conduct off the pitch.
The Valencia faithful have a reputation for being passionate, but there’s a massive difference between supporting your team and the sort of behaviour we witnessed on Sunday. Proper shambles, that.