18.10.2025 12:31
The decision by La Liga management to hold the Barcelona-Villarreal match in Miami has caused a major crisis in Spanish football. The first reaction came from the players. Real Oviedo and Espanyol players protested the decision by not touching the ball for the first 20 seconds of the match.
UEFA recently approved the matches between Villarreal-Barcelona in Spain's La Liga and Milan-Como in Italy's Serie A to be played outside the country. This decision was met with backlash from football fans and clubs, and the debate quickly moved onto the field.
PLAYERS' PROTEST ON THE FIELD
In the opening match of La Liga's 9th week, Real Oviedo hosted Espanyol at home. Following the announcement that the Barcelona-Villarreal match would be played in Miami, the players' union carried out its first protest on the field during this match.
After the match started, players from both teams did not touch the ball for the first 20 seconds. This silent act was noticed by the fans in the stands.
LA LIGA BROADCASTING DID NOT SHOW THE PROTEST
La Liga's broadcast team did not reflect the moments of the players' protest on television screens. The broadcasting company showed images from outside the stadium during this time. However, the fans in the stadium clearly observed the players' silent reaction.