Why was there a minute’s silence before Inter vs Arsenal UEFA Champions League 2024-25 match?

A packed San Siro stood quietly, which ended with the referee blowing the whistle once, followed by applause from fans.

General view of the Inter Milan fans inside the San Siro stadium. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

The UEFA Champions League match between Inter and Arsenal witnessed a minute of silence before the match began on Tuesday.

A packed San Siro stood quietly, which ended with the referee blowing the whistle once, followed by applause from fans.

Why was there a minute’s silence before Inter and Arsenal?

The Champions League match between Inter and Arsenal had a minute’s silence in memory of the victims killed in the floods in Valencia.

Last week, an exceptional storm killed at least 218 people, almost all in the Valencia region, as well as leaving a trail of destruction. Valencia’s match against champion Real Madrid last Saturday was postponed, along with its first-round Copa del Rey tie at Parla Escuela.

People clear away debris at the Andalucia Cultural Association after flooding in Massanassa on the outskirts of Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. | Photo Credit: AP

“UEFA will hold a moment of silence at all UEFA club competition matches this week in memory of the victims of the deadly floods in Valencia and all those impacted in the region and beyond,” the European football body said in a statement.

Inter comes into the match after a 1-0 win against Venezia in the Serie A, while Arsenal lost 1-0 against Newcastle United in its last match in the Premier League.