Pepelu Faces Backlash from Levante Fans During Valencia Derby

omidbasir- Pepelu was the center of criticism and chants from Levante fans during Valencia’s visit to Ciutat de València for the derby. At this moment, numerous supporters displayed mock dollar bills featuring Pepelu’s face, substituting it for George Washington’s, alongside the slogan “Pepelu Judas” in place of the traditional “One Dollar” at the top.

Upon descending from the Valencia team bus and during warm-ups on the pitch, he was met with widespread chants of “He’s a rat, Pepelu is a rat!” from the stands, which continued to jeer him throughout the match. Once the game commenced, the boos echoed each time he touched the ball.

Supporters showcased printed replicas, each the size of half an A3 sheet, as the Valencia bus arrived an hour and a half before the initial whistle. Additionally, smaller replicas were thrown from the stands before the match began.

The slogan “Pepelu, Judas” was one of many insults directed at the Valencia midfielder, who transitioned from Levante after rising through their youth ranks. He moved to Mestalla in 2023, following the payment of his release clause. The midfielder from Denia had been warned about the backlash he would face this week.

Pepelu’s departure left a deep wound within the Levante community, and fans sought to express their disapproval directly for the first time since his departure. Following a last-minute defeat in the decisive Play Off against Alavés, Pepelu requested to leave for Valencia, which was willing to pay the release clause outlined in his renewal contract signed a year prior. Subsequently, banners appeared across various locations in Valencia with phrases such as “Pepelu, traitor,” “You haven’t understood anything,” and “Raised in Orriols, fled to Singapore.”

“I don’t feel like a traitor,” Pepelu defended himself on the day of his presentation at Mestalla. “People’s opinions don’t matter to me. We signed something we were excited about, and while it didn’t turn out as we hoped, all parties ended up winning,” he explained, alluding to his relocation from one neighborhood to another in the city.

Additionally, Levante fans employed irony with slogans such as “Carlos [Corberán], stay!” contrasting with the usual calls for “Corberán, resign” due to poor results, as well as “Peter [Lim], stay!”.