Valencia fans call players ‘mercenaries’ after demoralizing home loss to Barcelona

Valencia fans call players 'mercenaries' after demoralizing home loss to Barcelona | iNFOnews.ca
Valencia's head coach Carlos Corberan, third left, and players leave the field after their loss in the Spanish La Liga soccer match against Barcelona in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

MADRID (AP) — Valencia fans protested Sunday against club officials and players after a demoralizing 5-0 home loss to Barcelona in the Spanish league.

A few thousand fans gathered outside the Mestalla stadium and called players “mercenaries.” They also called for the club president, Kiat Lim, and team owner Peter Lim to “go home.”

Some of the ultra fan groups left the stands empty at the start of the match. Players and coach Carlos Corberán were booed early on, and there were loud jeers at the final whistle as well.

Kiat Lim took over as president in 2025, but was attending a match at Mestalla for the first time, according to Spanish media.

It was Valencia’s third straight defeat after opening the season with a draw. The team has scored only once in four matches.

Valencia fans call players 'mercenaries' after demoralizing home loss to Barcelona | iNFOnews.ca
Valencia’s head coach Carlos Corberan, second left, and players leave the field after their loss in the Spanish La Liga soccer match against Barcelona in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

There were no reports of violence during the protests.

Valencia fans call players 'mercenaries' after demoralizing home loss to Barcelona | iNFOnews.ca
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring a goal that was disallowed by VAR during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valencia and Barcelona in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

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Valencia fans call players 'mercenaries' after demoralizing home loss to Barcelona | iNFOnews.ca
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal celebrates with teammate Raphinha after scoring the opening goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valencia and Barcelona in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Valencia fans call players 'mercenaries' after demoralizing home loss to Barcelona | iNFOnews.ca
Valencia’s goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski jumps to catch the ball to make a save during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valencia and Barcelona in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

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