The frustration among Valencia fans reached a boiling point on Monday as thousands protested against club owner Peter Lim before and after their 3-2 defeat to Las Palmas in La Liga. The anger was fueled by a combination of factors: Lim’s perceived absentee ownership, the club’s poor performance on the pitch, and the recent detention of two supporters in Singapore.
Dani Cuesta and his wife were detained in Singapore almost three weeks ago after Cuesta reportedly held up anti-Lim signs. The incident sparked outrage among Valencia fans who have long been vocal about their discontent with Lim’s management since he bought the club in 2014.
The protests before the game were a clear indication of the growing unrest. Thousands of supporters rallied outside the Mestalla Stadium, chanting slogans and displaying banners criticizing Lim’s ownership. Their frustration continued after the match, as Valencia’s defeat to Las Palmas cemented their position at the bottom of La Liga with just one win in their last ten matches.
Despite taking the lead through Pepelu’s penalty in the 14th minute, Valencia’s performance was marred by a series of mistakes. Las Palmas equalized before half-time through Alex Muñoz, and Fabio Silva put them ahead in the 52nd minute. Pepelu’s red card in the 69th minute further compounded Valencia’s misery as Alberto Moleiro added a third goal for Las Palmas soon after. Although Cesar Tarrega pulled one back for Valencia in stoppage time, it was too little, too late.
The win lifted Las Palmas above Valencia on goal difference, pulling them out of the relegation zone. The protests outside the Mestalla stadium are a stark reminder of the deep-seated discontent among Valencia fans. The club’s poor form, coupled with the detention of the two supporters in Singapore, has intensified the calls for a change in ownership. It remains to be seen whether Lim will respond to the mounting pressure and address the concerns of the frustrated Valencia fans.