The players of Racing, a club in the third division of Spanish football, took a bold stand by refusing to play their Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad on Thursday due to unpaid salaries. Despite showing up at the El Sardinero pitch in Santander, the players refused to participate in the match, gathering in the center of the field until the referee called off the game just 40 seconds after the scheduled start.
Mariano Sanz, a striker for Racing, explained the players’ decision, expressing their frustration at the situation: “We wanted to play but we couldn’t let them trample our rights. Playing in a Cup quarter-final was a dream for us.” He added, “It’s shameful to finish like this but we knew very well what we were doing.” The players received applause and shouts of support from the home fans as they left the field and embarked on a lap of honor.
This protest follows a warning issued by the Santander footballers earlier in the week, stating they would not participate in the match if the club’s board of directors did not resign. The players cited several months of unpaid salaries despite promises from the club’s president. Racing’s financial difficulties have led to blocked accounts and a failure to meet payment obligations.
Despite Racing’s impressive journey in the Copa del Rey, having previously eliminated top-tier teams like Sevilla and Almeria, their elimination from the competition is now certain due to the forfeit. The club also faces potential consequences such as exclusion from the Championship next season and financial penalties.
