The National Times - 'No sense' playing La Liga games after deadly floods: Simeone

'No sense' playing La Liga games after deadly floods: Simeone


'No sense' playing La Liga games after deadly floods: Simeone
'No sense' playing La Liga games after deadly floods: Simeone / Photo: © AFP

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said Saturday it makes "no sense" to play La Liga matches this weekend after deadly flooding in the east of Spain.

Change text size:

The Valencia region was hit by devastating flash floods which have killed at least 211 people this week.

Champions Real Madrid's visit to Valencia and Villarreal's match against Rayo Vallecano were postponed, but Simeone said all matches should have been scrapped.

"It's clear that it makes no sense, what is happening is something that's so hard," Simeone told reporters before Atletico face Las Palmas on Sunday.

"It's emotional to see all the people going out into the streets to help ... with whatever they can...

"There are people who are having a terrible time, it's very sad, and we are in a place where they tell us to continue and here we are, continuing."

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick also suggested calling off all games might have been appropriate.

"It's not easy to make the decision (about) what to do, we started this (round) yesterday," Flick told reporters ahead of Barcelona's derby clash against Espanyol on Sunday.

"For me it's a tragedy, we also had this in Germany three years ago, it's also horrible to see this.

"If we can support the region we will do that of course, the other things the league has to decide."

Asked if he would have postponed the whole round of La Liga games, Flick said he would lean that way.

"If I could make the decision maybe I would do that, it's a tragedy for this region and also for Spain, so maybe yes," said the German coach.

D.Kelly--TNT

Featured

Maswanganyi Clarifies Pirates Allegiance Amidst Career Transition

Patrick Maswanganyi has addressed speculation surrounding his career by reaffirming that Orlando Pirates remains his dream club, despite growing up as a Kaizer Chiefs supporter. Speaking during an exclusive interview, the Bafana Bafana international also clarified the nature of his relationship with former coach Abdeslam Ouaddou following his recent exit from the Soweto giants.

Kuwait's Yasmeen Waleed Wins High Jump Gold at Dakar Youth Olympics

Kuwaiti athlete Yasmeen Waleed has won the gold medal in the high jump at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Her victory established a new Kuwaiti national record of 1.80 meters, marking a significant milestone for the nation's youth sports program.

Matvei Michkov Leads Flyers in Goals but Ranks Sixth in Ice Time

Matvei Michkov leads the Philadelphia Flyers with 10 goals through 20 games, but his total ice time ranks sixth among the team's forwards. Head coach Rick Tocchet has concentrated Michkov’s additional minutes on the power play, where he has scored five of his goals, while his even-strength usage has remained relatively stable compared to last season.

Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

The Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (NCJSHOF) has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, honoring four individuals for their athletic achievements and community contributions. The organization will celebrate the new class during its 19th Annual Induction Dinner Gala on November 22 at the Olympic Golf Club in South San Francisco.

Change text size: