Sevilla FC cancels García Plaza press conference and holds minute of silence after deadly Toledo train crash
Sevilla FC announced on Wednesday that it would cancel the scheduled press conference with head coach Luis García Plaza and observe a minute of silence before training, following a catastrophic train crash in Toledo that left dozens dead and many injured. The tragedy, which involved passengers travelling to the Andalusian capital, prompted the club to act out of respect for the victims and their families.
In an official statement released through its communication channels, Sevilla said: "Ante el trágico accidente ferroviario acaecido en Toledo esta mañana, con numerosos fallecidos, el Sevilla FC ha tomado la determinación de suspender la rueda de prensa de Luis García Plaza, prevista para hoy, previa al encuentro de Copa ante el Sporting de Hortaleza". The club added that it would "enviar sus condolencias a los familiares y amigos de los fallecidos" and wished a swift recovery to those injured.
The press conference had been slated for midday ahead of the Copa del Rey tie on Thursday in Alcalá de Henares against Sporting de Hortaleza. By cancelling the media event, Sevilla aims to avoid any distraction and to honour the somber mood that has swept the region.
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Before the morning training session, the first‑team squad gathered on the pitch and observed a minute of silence. President José María del Nido Carrasco joined the players, underscoring the club’s collective mourning and solidarity with the victims.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also expressed its consternation, announcing the suspension of the Copa del Rey fixtures scheduled for Wednesday as a sign of respect for the national tragedy.
Sevilla had already issued public condolences earlier in the day, stating: "Sevilla FC desea enviar sus condolencias a los familiares y amigos de los fallecidos en el trágico accidente de tren producido este miércoles en la provincia de Toledo y desea una pronta recuperación a las personas que han resultado heridas". The club reiterated its commitment to supporting the affected families.
The accident has deeply shaken Andalusia, where many of the train’s passengers were bound for Sevilla. By cancelling the press conference and observing a minute of silence, the club demonstrated its empathy and alignment with the broader community’s grief.