Real Zaragoza fans were certainly given no opportunity to applaud him—or any of the other personalities—because at no point were they seen publicly or clearly. It was not until Monday afternoon that the club shared some images through its official channels.
The event featured a number of high-quality ingredients. Alongside Pepe was his brother Fernando, as well as former Real Zaragoza players such as Gustavo Poyet, ‘Chucho’ Solana, Andoni Cedrún and Alberto Belsué. The latter, a delegate for the white-and-blue side, had been sent off in Torremolinos, which meant he was able to attend the tribute.
However, the SAD made no announcement. None of its representatives appeared in the published photographs. Nor did they feature in the brief statement on its website, which offered a few details after the event. None of them was applauded at Ibercaja Estadio because, quite simply, the tribute was not even announced over the public-address system.
THE SAD'S BRIEF STATEMENT
(The) "Ibercaja Estadio welcomed an illustrious visitor, a legend of Aragonese and Spanish sport: Pepe Arcega. The Olympic medalist with Spain attended with his family to watch the match in which we faced F.C. Cartagena at home.
Legends of the white-and-blue side and friends such as Andoni Cedrún, Gustavo Poyet, Chucho Solana and Alberto Belsué presented a shirt from our team to CAI's iconic ‘10’ and Spanish international, paying tribute to the athlete at our stadium.
Just a few weeks ago, Casademont Zaragoza retired Arcega's shirt at the Príncipe Felipe Pavilion in recognition of a long and successful professional career.
Arcega played 13 seasons for the Zaragoza team and was crowned Copa del Rey champion in 1984 and 1990, as well as finishing runner-up in the 1991 European Cup Winners' Cup.
Last night's tribute honored a remarkable player, a reference point in Aragonese basketball and an icon of sport in our region," the statement said.
