Spain's club prohibition: Adena de Cluny accused of attracting vermin, including rats and pigeons
Ditching the Sunflower Seeds: Elche Football Club's Controversial Move
The frontrunners of the Spanish second division, Elche Football Club, have stirred up some controversy with their latest decision. Starting from their May 10 match against Levante at the Martínez Valero stadium, sunflower seeds will no longer be allowed on the premises. The club claims that this action aims to protect the facilities, maintain hygiene, and uphold their commitment to sustainability and the environment.
Potentially Intertwined: The Connection Between Sunflower Seeds and Cleanliness
In a statement, Elche explained that the problem lies in the shells from the seeds, which have brought about numerous issues in the stadium. These inconveniences include debris building up in hard-to-reach zones, wear on the concrete floor, and deterioration of the facilities. Furthermore, sunflower seed shells clog drains and pipes, damage seats, and harm paint and finishes on numerous surfaces. The outcome is significantly increased cleaning and maintenance costs, while also attracting vermin such as rats and pigeons, and posing a health risk to the stands.
Not a Punishment, But a Public Responsibility
Elche emphasized that the decision should not be viewed as retribution towards fans but rather as an attempt to preserve the stadium in the best condition possible. This move is part of a broader improvement process for the Martínez Valero, a space that resonates deeply with the green-and-white supporters as a shared symbol. The club calls upon the collective responsibility of the fans to keep the stadium exemplary in terms of civility, cleanliness, and pride.
Divided Opinions Among the Fans
The ban on sunflower seeds has provoked a range of reactions among fans. While some see it as an important step towards maintaining a cleaner and greener environment, others have expressed dissatisfaction, labelling it as arbitrary. Some fans argue that the rule affects even those who are mindful, such as those who use bags to collect the shells.
Precedents in Spain: A Look at Valencia Football Club
Elche is not the first Spanish football club to take measures related to sunflower seeds. Valencia implemented a similar policy two years ago, albeit less stringent. In Valencia's case, they stopped selling sunflower seeds at their stadium but did not prohibit consumption, encouraging fans to dispose of the shells using bags. Elche's decision, however, is more draconian as it prohibits both consumption and sale of the snack.
Elche's Upcoming Journey: The Quest for La Liga
At a pivotal point in its efforts to return to La Liga, Elche currently leads the table with 68 points, with six matches remaining. Its main competitors, Levante and Racing de Santander, are hot on its heels with 66 points, though the advantage lies with Elche in terms of goal difference. The team's destiny is in its own hands, as it can secure direct promotion to La Liga if it maintains its position or finishes second. The success of the upcoming games will determine the victory that will see Elche back in the top category of Spanish football.
[1] El Club Deportivo Elche Ilicitano. (2023). Estadio Martinez Valero: Quién es Dueño e Historia. Retrieved from https://www.elchedeportivo.com/elche_c_d_elicitano/estadio_martinez_valero[2] Elche en la Comunidad Valenciana. (2023). Estadio Martinez Valero. Retrieved from https://www.elcheenlacomunidadvalenciana.com/elmunicipio/estadio-martinez-valero[3] Calcagno, C. (2023). Los Estadios de la Segunda División. Retrieved from https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/segunda/conocimiento/mundo_230503_182930.html
- Some fans are divided in their opinions about Elche Football Club's decision to ban sunflower seeds, with some viewing it as an important step towards maintaining a cleaner and greener environment, while others consider it arbitrary.
- In an effort to preserve the Martínez Valero stadium and uphold its commitment to sustainability and the environment, Elche Football Club has taken a stricter step than Valencia Football Club by prohibiting the consumption and sale of sunflower seeds.
- As a frontrunner of the Spanish second division, Elche Football Club, with 68 points and six matches remaining, is currently leading the table in its quest to return to La Liga.
- Sunflower seed shells have caused numerous problems for Elche Football Club, including debris building up in hard-to-reach zones, wear on the concrete floor, and deterioration of facilities, necessitating increased cleaning and maintenance costs and attracting vermin.
- Some fans argue that the ban affects not only those who are careless with sunflower seed shells but also those who are mindful and collect the shells using bags.
