Comert backpedals after derby flag antics spark Levante-Valencia bust-up
Valencia defender Eray Comert has issued an apology after his post-match celebration with a corner flag triggered a melee between the two sides at Ciutat de València.
Valencia’s Swiss defender attempts to explain his provocative celebration that caused tempers to flare after the local derby victory against struggling Levante.
Flag-gate at the Ciutat
Eray Comert has been trying to calm the waters after his post-match antics sparked proper aggro following Valencia’s derby win over Levante. The Swiss centre-back, who’d been subbed off in the 88th minute, decided it would be a brilliant idea to grab a corner flag, drape his shirt over it, and parade it in front of the away fans after the final whistle.
Unsurprisingly, this went down like a lead balloon with the Levante players and staff, who took serious exception to having their club colors (blue and maroon) covered by a Valencia shirt in their own backyard. The result? A proper kerfuffle involving players from both sides - including non-playing squad members like Danjuma, Copete and Diakhaby - all getting involved in the handbags.
The apology tour begins
Comert quickly took to social media to explain himself, claiming his celebration wasn’t meant to disrespect the opposition:
“Under no circumstances did I intend to humiliate Levante or their fans,” he wrote, presumably while his PR team was having kittens.
The defender acknowledged that Levante are going through a difficult period - they’re currently second-bottom with 18 points (albeit with a game in hand) - and tried to justify his actions as simply being caught up in derby day emotions:
“I understand people interpreted it as disrespectful and were upset… it was a reaction born from derby emotions and the joy of winning in our current situation.”
Derby day tensions
The match had already been bubbling with tension before Comert’s flag-waving finale. Former Levante player Pepelu, now in Valencia colors, received a particularly hostile welcome from the home fans:
- Greeted with chants of “He’s a rat!”
- Showered with mock dollar bills featuring his face
- Labeled a “traitor” after his 2023 summer move to Valencia
Pepelu’s transfer still clearly stings for Levante supporters, who saw their promotion hopes dashed in the play-off final shortly before losing their midfielder to their local rivals.