Friday 14 November 2014 10:40, UK
The board of directors at Valencia have made the decision to boycott their local derby at Levante in nine days' time due to a rise in ticket prices.
Tickets for the Primera Division match at the Ciutat de Valencia have been priced at 30 euros for away fans wishing to make the short journey from the Mestalla, but the Los Che hierarchy are unhappy with the cost and said the club would pay 15 euros towards any supporters wishing to watch the match.
A statement on the Valencia website read: "Following the decision of Levante to set the price of 30 euros for away fans, not accepting the tacit agreement of reciprocity prices reached between the clubs of Valencia for the visitor stands, the Board of Valencia CF gathered together on Thursday, and in order that our team has the maximum support from our fans, and they do not feel discriminated against....has adopted the following resolutions:
"The Valencia Football Club discount of 15 euros per ticket towards the acquisition of the 1,050 seats available for that area.
"Out of respect for our fans, who have difficulty attending, the Governing Council of Valencia Football Club will not attend the match to be held on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at 17:00."
While deeply unhappy with the situation, Valencia also confirmed they would keep their ticket prices down for the reverse fixture at the Mestalla on April 12 as they continue to put the fans first.
The statement continued: "Consistent with the values of the club and the idea of encouraging support of fans to stadiums, driven by the positive policy of affordable (tickets) between Valencia, Villarreal and Elche, our institution itself will keep the price of 15 euros for the second-round match between Valencia and Levante."
Valencia are currently enjoying a good run in La Liga with seven points from their last three fixtures, with just one defeat in their opening 11 matches, and they sit third in the table - just three points off leaders Real Madrid.
