On Sunday 2nd October, at 18:30, Málaga and Athletic will lock horns at La Rosaleda stadium. The date of the match, held on the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, commemorates the International Day of Non-Violence. Unfortunately, in the beautiful game, there have been some violent episodes in the past, on and off the pitch.
In recent years, Málaga CF, in conjunction with LaLiga, has been working to promote the values of football, fair play and security in stadiums. As such, LaLiga has developed a practical guide for fans, directed at followers, ‘peñas’ and clubs, which includes basic rules to adhere to at sporting venues. The guide consists of regulations to prevent violence, racism, xenophobia, intolerance in sport, and acts as a reminder that racist, xenophobic and intolerant behaviour will lead to both the fan in question and the club being punished.
The Professional Football League and the AFEPE (Association of Spanish Football Federations), in 2014, promoted a campaign against violence in football, under the slogan “Fans + Respect = Viva Football”. Two seasons ago, La Rosaleda was named the best Spanish stadium by the AFEPE, recognising the good treatment and services offered at the Martiricos ground, where the Federation of Malaguista ‘Peñas’ banner displays ‘Football YES, Violence NO’.
Fair play, respect, civility, sportsmanship…These are all values that Málaga Club de Fútbol, via its Foundation, have been promoting in recent years in schools, predominantly throughout the capital and province. ‘Blue and Whites’ Values’ that promote education and good sporting conduct amongst the boys and girls, who will be the players of tomorrow, or support their team in the stands at La Rosaleda, united against violence.
