Football club ban fans from eating SUNFLOWER SEEDS to protect stadium from ruin
A SPANISH football club have banned fans from eating their favourite food... after their stadium was overrun by RATS.
Second-division leaders Elche could host Real Madrid and Barcelona next season if they win promotion to LaLiga.
2
But their Martinez Valero ground has become infested with vermin as a result of fans munching SUNFLOWER SEEDS - and scattering shells on the ground.
Club chiefs have now banned the popular Spanish snack from the 34,000-capacity arena.
They announced: "Elche Football Club has decided to ban the sale and consumption of sunflower seeds throughout the entire Martinez Valero Stadium, starting from our next game against Levante.
"This measure is in response to the need to protect the ground, ensure hygiene and reinforce our commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment.
"The Martinez Valero is not just a football stadium, but a symbol shared by thousands of fans.
"However, the vast consumption of sunflower seeds in recent years has created problems for the building.
"The shells block drains and pipes, damage the seats and affect the paint finishes to multiple surfaces.
"They significantly raise the costs of cleaning and maintenance.
"They attract plagues of rats and pigeons. And, above all, they put the cleanliness of the stands at risk.
"Despite the constant efforts of the club's cleaning staff, we need to remove all the shells after every game.
"The shells also damage the concrete underfoot and collect in hard-to-reach areas.
"This decision is not meant to punish any fan, but instead to preserve a communal space in the best possible conditions.
"Elche CF calls on your collective responsibility to maintain the Martinez Valero as an example of civility, respect, cleanliness and pride in the club.
"We thank fans for their understanding, aware of the value of keeping a stadium fit to enjoy football in safety and comfort."
Elche, based near Alicante in south-eastern Spain, ended a three-year spell in LaLiga in 2023.
Former Sheffield Wednesday, Preston and Barnsley defender Bambo Diaby, 27, plus ex-Watford man Mario Gaspar are part of their current squad.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
32 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Liverpool and Premier League talent guru Malcolm Elias who was behind rise of Trent Alexander and Gareth Bale dies
Elias had an impact on some of the Premier League's best youngsters LOST ICON Ex-Liverpool and Premier League talent guru Malcolm Elias who was behind rise of Trent Alexander and Gareth Bale dies FORMER Premier League talent spotter and academy recruitment expert Malcolm Elias has passed away aged 71, it has been announced. Fulham FC confirmed Elias' passing in a statement on social media. 1 Malcom Elias has passed away Credit: Fulham FC The post read: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague and dear friend, Malcolm Elias, after a short illness. "The Club's Head of Academy Recruitment, Malcolm had a fantastic reputation in football for unearthing and nurturing young talent. "A proud Welshman, Malcolm was approaching his 16th anniversary at Craven Cottage this summer, having joined us from Liverpool in July 2009, while he also previously enjoyed a highly successful spell at Southampton alongside future Fulham colleagues Huw Jennings and Steve Wigley. "The influence that Malcolm had on the modern game cannot be understated, having worked with and developed the likes of Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Elliott, Luke Harris and Jay Stansfield, to name but a few. "A hugely popular figure around the training ground, Malcolm will be sorely missed by all who knew him. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paula - Malcolm's ever devoted and endlessly supportive wife of nearly 50 years - his sons Andrew and Daniel, his six beloved grandchildren, as well as his additional family and friends." Elias was always highly respected within football, having helped to identify and nurture some of the Premier League's best young talents. The academy recruitment expert previously worked with Liverpool before joining Fulham in 2009 - helping the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott get their breakthroughs. Prior to his time on Merseyside Elias worked with Southampton, where he had an impact on the early emergence of the likes of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw and Gareth Bale. Tributes for the iconic figure have started pouring in as the football world mourns the loss. QPR posted: "We're so sorry for your loss. "Sending sincere condolences to Malcolm's loved ones and all at Fulham." While Oxford United, where Elias worked as an Academy Manager in the 1980s, posted: "Oxford United were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Malcolm Elias. "A former teacher in Blackbird Leys, Malcolm began working at United in the 80's as an Academy Manager. "A much loved person and coach at the Club for more than a decade, Malcolm is an integral part of the Club's history, helping bring through talents such as Joey Beauchamp. "Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time. RIP." MORE TO FOLLOW... THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Bukayo Saka left out of England's squad to face Andorra after knock
Bukayo Saka has been left out of England's squad for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra. Thomas Tuchel's side continue the road to next summer's tournament at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona against the side ranked 173rd in the world. A minor injury saw Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins leave the camp on the eve of the Group K clash, while Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher and Arsenal forward Saka will miss the Andorra game after being left out of the matchday squad submitted to UEFA. Tuchel revealed Saka was suffering with a knock on Friday but thinks he can feature in Tuesday's friendly against Senegal. 'It's nice to see that he's back because he wanted to be back, and you straight away see when he comes in that he is comfortable to be with the squad, he knows what it takes to be a national player,' the England boss said. 'He came into camp with a little bit of discomfort from the last match against Southampton, so we took care of him and treated him individually until (Friday) basically. 'It was the first training session that he started and finished with the group. (Thursday), he started with the group but did not finish with the group, so let's see. 'I'm not sure if we take the risk for the game. The decision has not been taken, but he will be available for the Senegal match, and he plays a major role in our thoughts of how to build a competitive team.'
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside Mohamed Salah's Liverpool transfer U-turn after Barcelona made promise
Mohamed Salah has been linked with Liverpool exits several times over the past few years, with Barcelona coming close to tempting him out of Merseyside back in 2022 Mohamed Salah exit sagas aren't exactly rare anymore, but in 2022, one particularly tense contract cliffhanger was quietly bubbling beneath the surface. This season, the Liverpool superstar has been resisting the velvet-wrapped, treasure-laden lure of Saudi Arabia - but three years ago, it was Barcelona singing the siren song. The Catalan giants had dangled a tantalising promise of a free transfer in 2023 when Salah's contract was set to expire - and the Egyptian King was seriously considering it. Barcelona's charm offensive was effective, but it probably didn't have to be given the club's weighty prestige and irresistible allure. Having spent the prime of his career at Anfield, Salah, then 29, began casting curious glances towards new pastures. He was also seeking a wage hike that reflected his relentless, goal-hoovering form - having netted 31 times in successive seasons. Enter Barcelona, who were eager to rebuild under new manager Xavi after enduring a three-year La Liga title drought - their longest in over two decades. Lionel Messi had left the summer before, and Los Cules were desperate for a new attacking talisman, with £88million signing Ousmane Dembele failing to deliver amid struggles with both fitness and form. Salah wasn't actively seeking a move away from Liverpool and had even reassured close friends that it was only a matter of time before a contract extension was signed. But Barcelona's interest forced a sudden rethink, and he slammed on the brakes. It came at a delicate moment: Liverpool and Salah had been locked in contract talks for over a year, and his decision to pause negotiations in light of Barcelona's offer sent a clear, and somewhat jarring, message: not only was he willing to leave, he might actually welcome it. Liverpool held their breath, knowing that losing their star man would come as a monumental blow - particularly on a free transfer. After all, Salah had fully etched his name into the club's history books, having fired them to their first Premier League title in 30 years, as well to Champions League glory - and bagged over 150 goals along the way. But his contract demands were steep. Already among the Premier League's top earners on £200,000-a-week, Salah was seeking nearly double that figure in his new deal. The Reds, wary of their wage structure, were reluctant to fold. Ultimately, though, the saga lasted only a few more weeks before Salah put an end to the speculation, signing a new three-year contract worth an eye-watering £350,000 per week. Whether Barcelona's interest jolted Liverpool into action, or whether the Spanish club's ambitions were always destined to dissolve under the weight of their finances concerns, we'll never know. What's clear is that their seductive pitch never became more than that - a dream dressed in prestige but draped in impracticality. What remains is a tantalising 'what if.' A momentary flirtation that never blossomed into anything more. There's a fine line between loyalty and fickleness in football - a line Salah has danced along more than once. He's listened to offers, entertained possibilities, and let speculation swirl - most notably, spending much of the 2024/25 season in limbo amid another tense contract standoff and an uber-lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League. But the bottom line is he's always stayed put. In an era where allegiance is often as short-lived as form, Salah's enduring commitment to Liverpool is worthy of respect. External flirtations aside, it's a choice he's made, again and again - proving that while his eyes may have wandered, his heart never truly left Anfield.
