A team veteran, originally from Goierri, apologized when announcing that the squad presentation would be conducted solely in Spanish, citing that some teammates did not understand Basque. This led to the native language being set aside when introducing local players.
This situation is incomprehensible and contradictory, especially when the coach, an Italian-American, was seen attempting to read a speech in Basque. This further highlights the marginalization of Basque in an official club presentation for an institution representing all of Gipuzkoa.
“"It is incomprehensible and contradictory to see our coach, Pellegrino Matarazzo —Italian-American—, striving to read a speech in Basque, while in the official presentation of a club representing all of Gipuzkoa, our language is set aside."
Half a century ago, in 1976, two footballers displayed an ikurriña on the field, when it was still illegal, risking much to uphold our values and identity. Today, half a century later, when Basque and the ikurriña are legal heritage and a source of pride, it seems the club itself is self-censoring due to a misguided courtesy.
This criticism is made with the utmost respect, but we must not forget that the greatness of this club is not only measured in titles, but in how we care for and defend who we are. And who we are, without a doubt, also includes our language.
