Spanish enthusiasts exhibit boisterous response to referee whistles
🇪🇸 Marc Cucurella Faces Hostile Crowd in Stuttgart's Nations League Semi-Final 🇫🇷
The MHP Arena in Stuttgart was a bustling hive of energy last Thursday evening, far before the first whistle was blown. The excitement wasn't built around a goal scored or an impressive skill showcased during the Uefa Nations League semi-final, but rather the simple touch of a ball. Who controlled that ball was the crux of the matter.
Fans Gear Up for a Rowdy Football Celebration in Stuttgart
Prior to the high-stakes Nations League showdown against Spain, French supporters in Stuttgart were already partying hard. Get a glimpse of their city festivities here.*
Spanish defender Marc Cucurella hasn't exactly been winning the hearts of German fans, not even in Stuttgart – despite him being on the receiving end of a controversial handball incident last year. The incident occurred during the Euro 2024 quarterfinal against Germany, where a shot from German player Jamal Musiala struck Cucurella's hand. However, neither a penalty nor a video assistant referee review was issued, leading to the team's elimination. Months later, Uefa acknowledged the mistake.
The referees have come under fire for the aftermath of this controversial handball incident, and Cucurella has noticed the wrath, being booed during every touch of the ball since then – that is, at least by the neutral spectators in the MHP Arena. But the Spanish supporters didn't let it dampen their spirits.
Every time Cucurella was booed, the red and yellow supporters reignited with chants of "Cu-cu-rella, Cu-cu-rella." While dismissing the French goals was their priority, they didn't forget to defend their man.
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Even though the booing has been a constant since that fateful night at the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, Cucurella maintains a stoic front. He contends that he did nothing wrong and views the jeers as part of the game[2][3][4]. The spotlight on him, he believes, may even help alleviate pressure on his teammates[1][3][4]. Acknowledging the hostile reception, he is mentally prepared for the boos during the semi-final against France in Stuttgart[1][3][4].
Despite the persistent boos since the controversial handball incident during the Euro 2024 quarterfinal, Spanish defender Marc Cucurella remains unfazed. Amidst the hostility in Stuttgart's MHP Arena, Cucurella's fellow supporters rally behind him with chants of "Cu-cu-rella, Cu-cu-rella," as the European leagues' Laliga player gears up for the Nations League semi-final against France.
