The symbolic demonstrations, which first appeared during Friday’s clash between Oviedo and Espanyol, spread to four more top-flight matches on Saturday.

Barcelona and Girona, Villarreal and Real Betis, Sevilla and Mallorca, as well as Atletico Madrid and Osasuna, all witnessed players from both teams freeze in silence at kick-off  a direct challenge to the Spanish league's decision to move Villarreal vs Barcelona to the United States in December.

The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE), which helped coordinate the protest, condemned La Liga's “lack of transparency, dialogue, and coherence.”

The union clarified that it had not directly asked Barcelona and Villarreal to participate to avoid perceived bias but both teams took part voluntarily. “We needed to follow along out of respect for our fellow professionals,” said Barça midfielder Pedri.

Despite the protest, Spanish broadcasters opted to limit its visibility. During the Barcelona match, cameras cut away to show the exterior of the stadium. Other games used tight overhead shots that avoided showing both teams standing motionless, leading to accusations of censorship and intensifying public scrutiny.

La Liga responded by defending the Miami fixture, claiming it had expressed a “willingness to meet” with the AFE to discuss concerns. However, the players' union remains unmoved, demanding the creation of a formal “negotiating table” where the "exceptional" nature of the match can be debated, and player rights fully considered.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso also voiced opposition, stating, “We are against the match  it distorts the competition.”

While some, like Barcelona president Joan Laporta, insist the Miami event will be “a great show,” most players and managers fear it sets a dangerous precedent. Further protests are expected at La Liga matches throughout the weekend.