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

Valencia supporters took to the streets on Sunday in protest of their club's officials and players following a devastating 5-0 home defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish league. The fans, numbering in the few thousand, gathered outside the Mestalla stadium and hurled insults at the team members, branding them "mercenaries." They also demanded the club president, Kiat Lim, and team owner Peter Lim return home.

Ultra fan groups were notably absent at the start of the match, leaving their seats empty. The players and coach Carlos Corberán faced boos from the start and jeers upon leaving the field. Kiat Lim had assumed the presidency of Valencia in 2025, attending his first match at Mestalla under this role. Valencia's form had been dismal, having suffered three consecutive losses after starting the season with a draw.

The team had only managed a single goal in four matches. There were no accounts of physical altercations during the protests.