Ceuta’s hardest year, with CD Castellón to pay tribute on Sunday | OneFootball

CD Castellón and their supporters are set to honour AD Ceuta before Sunday’s 18.30 kick-off, with the tribute framed by the city’s migrant crisis. According to Europa Sur, some relatives of Ceuta players choose to travel to the peninsula when the team play away because of fears over the situation.

At SkyFi Castalia there will be a public-address message, supported by the big screen and electronic perimeter panels. The Orelluts will also take to the pitch in shirts expressing solidarity with Ceuta.

This is shaping up as Ceuta’s most complicated season. Despite the club’s efforts to separate football from off-field events, their poor league form is being linked to the crisis. Ceuta begin the matchday in the relegation zone, second bottom on four points with one win, claimed in the previous round against Real Sociedad B.

The victory offered a brief lift for a fanbase that has rallied behind the team. The stadium has also become a place where locals voice their anger. On one occasion players walked out wearing shirts that stated Ceuta is not for sale and must be defended.

President Luhay Hamido has said the situation derailed up to 15 transfer deals that had been well advanced. Sporting director Edu Villegas has spoken in similar terms about the extra hurdles faced during the summer window.

Those who did sign have been affected in other ways. Head coach José Juan Romero said it is difficult to shield the squad from what is happening in the city. Nobody at the club wants to use the crisis as a footballing excuse, but it is reasonable to argue it is having a real effect.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”