SUMMARY
- Real Madrid booked their place in the final of the Spanish Super Cup after beating their city rivals, Atlético Madrid.
- Franz Beckenbauer died on January 8 at the age of 78 due to natural causes.
Real Madrid booked their place in the final of the Spanish Super Cup after beating their city rivals, Atlético Madrid. The match was a thrilling encounter that was decided after extra time. However, the clash started disgustingly due to Saudi Arabian fans.
Soccer fans in Saudi Arabia whistled throughout a minute silence that was observed at the start of the match in remembrance of German legend Franz Beckenbauer. The Bayern Munich legend died on January 8 at the age of 78 due to natural causes.
The following day, the Spanish FA decided to observe a minute of silence before the semi-final clash in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. However, the 25,000 fans present inside the Al-Awwal Park stadium disrespected one of the icons of the game by their actions throughout the minute of silence. Both sets of players and managers were stunned to see the actions of the Saudi fans.
What a shame
— Mauro 🏴 (@CimbomAddicted) January 10, 2024
This action from Saudi fans was condemned throughout the soccer community on social media. Online fans questioned the reasoning behind this incident, as Saudi Arabia is not a rival of Germany in soccer. They also questioned the Spanish FA and their decision to host this competition outside Spain just for some additional economic benefits.
Disrespectful. Laliga sold their dignity for money why not play in Spain
— smoothie 🥤🧃 (@smoothXVD) January 10, 2024
Comments like “Disrespectful. Laliga sold their dignity for money why not play in Spain,” “The shocking scene is why the Super Cup is being played in Saudi Arabia,” “What a shame,” “Do you understand now why the Turks rejected to play there”? “Unbelievable,” “Shameless,” and “Disgusting Scenes” echoed the sentiments of the fans.
Saudi Arabia fans booed Toni Kroos during the Spanish Super Cup
The booes continued in the second half of the match when German midfielder, Toni Kroos, entered the pitch for Real Madrid around the 67th minute. The former World Cup winner was booed on his every touch as he dictated the tempo of the game to secure a comeback victory for Real Madrid.
Many online fans were confused as to why Kroos was being booed off by the fans. However, the picture becomes quite clear if the focus is shifted to Kroos’ recent comments on the Saudi Pro League. The Real Madrid midfielder recently commented on the heavy spending of SPL teams to buy big names from European soccer.
That was fun today! Amazing crowd😍
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) January 10, 2024
Kroos commented on the issue to Sports Illustrated: “It’s been said that they play ambitious football there, but it’s all about the money. In the end, it’s a decision for the money and against football. That’s when it starts to become difficult for the football we all know and love.”
Kroos called out the ambition of the players who were in the middle of their careers and chose to move to Saudi Arabia from the European leagues. These comments came back to haunt the midfielder against Atlético Madrid. However, the reactions of fans didn’t bother the midfielder who helped Real Madrid register a 5-3 win over Atlético Madrid to book their place in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.
Kroos even acknowledge the reaction from fans with a sarcastic tweet on social media. His reaction might trigger even more backlash from fans when he takes the field for the Spanish side in the final of the Super Cup.