The Slanch Report

Spanish soccer team Villarreal fans won’t see themselves shut out from their favorite team next year, even if they don’t have the money for tickets thanks to the worldwide economic crisis. That’s thanks to the players who intend to help out those fans that are unemployed. With unemployment in Spain at 13.9 percent and in Castellon where they play, even higher at 14.7 percent, the players will be contributing to a special fun that helps provide season tickets to fans who have lost their jobs.

Villarreal president Fernando Roig said, “Season-ticket holders who are on the dole will be allowed in free next year. The idea is to think of the club’s wider social base and those who have been unlucky to lose their jobs so they can continue to watch football in the Madrigal.”

Everyone from the team’s star players to team executives, board members, coaches and sponsors will be contributing to the fund, in a very rare example of a sports team giving BACK to the people who support it.

One of the team’s big-time players, Joseba Llorente was glad to help out, saying, “We are keen to get involved because it seems like a good idea considering the times we are in. There are many people without work and it’s a shame if they don’t come to the stadium because of this.”

Now, I’d love it if the Red Sox or even the Mets decided to do this too. I’m sure I could find my way to the stadiums pretty regularly in that case… C’mon America, you want to fall behind SPAIN!?!

[Sports Rubbish]