Valencia, why did you withdraw the boycott of the game? Because of’victim’ Diakabi’s request

[OSEN=이승우 기자] “If it had not been for Mukhtar Diakabi’s request, the game would not have resumed.”

Valencia lost 1-2 in a match against Cadiz in Round 29 of the 2020-2021 season at Cadiz Estadio Ramon de Karanza in the early morning of the 5th (Korean time). He took the lead in a untidy situation where the game was stopped, but in the end, he could not win.

During the first half of the game on this day, there was a situation where it was interrupted. Valencia’s Diacabi halted after refusing the match after a nervous battle with opposing defender Juan Carla. In the context, it was suspected of Carla’s racist remarks.

The game was suddenly stopped in the 30th minute of the first half, while fierce close-up continued. Valencia’s defender Diacabi pushed Cadiz’s collar hard in an extremely excited state. Diakabi refused to proceed and left the ground as it was. Other Valencia players, as well as coach Javier Gracia, left the pitch.

In the context, it was speculated that Carla’s racist remarks may have been made. The two struggled in a ball game situation, and there was a scene where Diakabi was chasing and pushing Carla. Here, Diakabi even made a gesture that Carla had said something.

The players from both teams were off the ground for about 20 minutes. Fortunately, the game resumed when the Valencia players returned to the stadium. Diakabi, who was involved in the case, was immediately replaced, and Carla was also retired to the bench after the first half.

After the match, Valencia captain Jose Gaya explained the situation. Gaya revealed the background of boycotting the game, saying, “We left the stadium because Diakabi heard racist words.”

Gaya said, “There was a request from Diakabi,” for agreeing to resume the game. Diakabi asked to jump back to the game. Otherwise, it would not have resumed.”

Gaya made it clear that just because he came back to the game did not tolerate racism against Diakabi. “The words Diakabi heard are very insulting, so I don’t want to put it in my mouth again. When Carla came back to the stadium, he didn’t even look at him.” /[email protected]

Reporter Lee Seung-woo