Valencia CF ‘to cancel’ pre-derby joint event with Levante UD | OneFootball

Valencia CF has unilaterally decided to cancel the customary pre-derby photo opportunity involving captains and head coaches, according to À Punt Radio’s 90 Minuts.

Unlike the first meeting, the club will not repeat the show of concord that usually precedes these city derbies. There will be no joint pose with both shirts or informal exchanges between the protagonists.

At the earlier fixture, Mestalla staged an event aimed at normalising the rivalry. José Luis Morales and José Gayà posed with managers Julián Calero and Carlos Corberán.

The decision has surprised Levante’s camp and sections of the local fanbase. The build-up is set to be more guarded, with exposure limited to the competition’s mandatory individual press conferences.

Without this official touchpoint, the derby loses a key visual ritual for media and sponsors. For supporters, the first face-to-face image of both camps will now come on the pitch on matchday.

Source: Superdeporte