AD Ceuta's first home match of the LaLiga Hypermotion season against UD Las Palmas turned into a major public demonstration over a border migration crisis in Ceuta.
Supporters and players at the Estadio Alfonso Murube staged protests over recent events in the city before UD Las Palmas secured a 0-2 victory on the pitch.
The match in Spain's second tier acquired a significance far beyond the sporting result following weeks marked by the mass arrival of migrants from Morocco.
Fans filled the stands with Spanish flags, banners, and shirts expressing support for the city, while singing the national anthem forcefully before kickoff and chanting against Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Border crisis impacts local football team
The crisis began on July 30, 2026, when tens of thousands of people crossed the border from Morocco into the autonomous Spanish city. Estimates at the time indicated that between 50,000 and 70,000 people entered within a 24-hour period, placing immense strain on a city with a population of around 84,000.
The sudden influx directly disrupted AD Ceuta's preparation for the upcoming league campaign. Several players were forced to pause their pre-season training to return to their families, while prospective new signings backed out of contracts citing safety concerns.
AD Ceuta head coach JJ Romero expressed frustration over the situation, complaining that Spain had left the enclave to deal with the crisis alone.
Romero detailed how the transfer of migrants from Trampolín beach to Loma Colmenar passed directly in front of the club's training facilities. He said vehicles had to be stopped, delays occurred, some individuals were detained, and another person was misidentified during the operations.
The manager noted that these events made the crisis an inescapable part of daily life for players, club staff, and local residents.
Demonstrations and player initiatives on the pitch
In response, AD Ceuta launched an initiative to bring the public's concerns onto the pitch. Starting players walked out wearing commemorative shirts featuring the slogan stating that Ceuta is not for sale and that Ceuta defends itself.
The club introduced the gesture to reflect demonstrations that had already spread across city streets and social media platforms in previous days.
The involvement of visiting team UD Las Palmas was subject to uncertainty in the hours leading up to kickoff. Reports had suggested the Canary Islands club might not participate in the demonstration.
However, UD Las Palmas players also stepped onto the field wearing the protest shirts. Club officials had decided days earlier to support the campaign but kept the decision private to prevent potential complications while traveling to Ceuta through Morocco.
Inside the Estadio Alfonso Murube, home supporters combined the black and white colors of AD Ceuta with national symbols. Loud chants calling for the defense of the city echoed throughout the stadium alongside protests targeting the central government.
