A Spanish couple’s honeymoon in Singapore took an unexpected turn as they were detained after staging a protest against Peter Lim, the billionaire owner of Valencia football club. Dani Cuesta and Mireia Saez traveled all the way to Singapore to express their discontent with Lim, who has been a divisive figure among Valencia fans since buying the club in 2014.
Their protest involved unfurling a yellow banner outside Lim’s house with the message “Lim Go Home,” which quickly caught attention online. However, their actions led to their passports being confiscated at the airport as they were preparing to leave Singapore. While they have not been charged with a crime yet, they are expected to appear in court as the police investigate the matter.
Valencia mayor MarÃa José Catalá stated that she is working with Spain’s foreign ministry and embassy in Singapore to assist the couple in resolving the situation. Valencia CF also acknowledged the incident, mentioning that they are in contact with the Spanish embassy to provide necessary support to Cuesta and Saez.
Peter Lim, known as Singapore’s wealthiest individual, has been the target of fans’ ire due to Valencia’s financial woes during his ownership. Fans have accused him of prioritising business interests over the club’s success since taking over. In the past, Valencia supporters have displayed “Lim Go Home” banners and called for his resignation.
Cuesta, who documented his protest journey on social media, shared images of himself with the banner at various locations in Singapore. He appeared on a radio show for Valencia fans to discuss his motivations, stating, “Every act is like a grain of sand.” The couple’s honeymoon plans to Bali were disrupted by the detention, restricting their movements within Singapore pending the outcome of the investigation.
While the exact charges are yet to be specified, Singapore has stringent laws against public assembly, including advocating for political causes in foreign countries. The case of Cuesta and Saez reflects the risks involved in such protests, given the legal environment in Singapore. The couple’s actions have reignited the debate around fan activism and the boundaries of expression in the world of football ownership.