There will be no mosaic at ‘El Clásico’. The decision was made jointly by Real Madrid and the fans who occupy the stadium’s Grada de Animación (a stand well known for its raucous singing and chanting). Instead, following the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, they will pay tribute to the victims and the French nation with something more austere and respectful.
That group of fans said in a statement that: “The Real Madrid Grada de Animación (FANS RMCF) would like to announce their decision to not display the mosaic created by its members for Saturday’s game between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Under current circumstances, we firmly believe that not displaying it and, instead, joining in with the rest of the stadium’s tribute to the French nation, is a far better show of solidarity with the relatives, neighbours and fellow countrymen of the victims of the recent terrorist attacks”.
The fans had already prepared the mosaic over the past couple of weeks at Valdebebas. The stadium will hold a minute’s silence before kick-off, as will every other La Liga match this weekend.
