Red and White Ties: The Hidden History in Las Palmas' Shield
This weekend, the Metropolitano will be dressed up to welcome a team with whom we share much more than three points: UD Las Palmas. Did you know that our shield has a presence in the Canarian team’s one? The story goes back to 1949, when five island clubs decided to unite to create a competitive team.
Among those founding clubs was Atlético Club, a fervent admirer and follower of Atlético de Madrid. Atlético Club, founded in 1926, proudly adopted our colors and emblems, with a subtle difference: a palm tree instead of the madroño, a nod to their land.
Their president, Vicente di Napoli Battone, was a key promoter of the merger that gave rise to UD Las Palmas. The presence of Atlético Club’s shield in Las Palmas’ emblem is just one example of the affection that unites us with Gran Canaria.
Many Canarian players have left their mark on our history, such as Mesa, Arencibia, or Valerón. In addition, we fondly remember the gesture of the yellow fans in 2016, when during a visit to the Vicente Calderón, they showed their support for the red and white fans in their fight to maintain the traditional shield. This match is more than just a sporting encounter; it is a celebration of the history and ties that unite two fans with a shared passion for football.
