"Van Basten expresses outrage over the pre-Champions League final spectacle"
In Munich's Allianz Arena, on the eve of the 2025 Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan, American rock band Linkin Park and German violin virtuoso David Garrett took the stage for a pre-match performance. However, their show drew criticism from a notable football figure.
Marco van Basten, a legendary former player, enraptured by two Champions League titles and the European championship, expressed his disapproval of Linkin Park's performance, deeming it "absolutely idiotic" and "worthless." The former Dutch star made his remarks during the broadcast on Ziggo Sport [1][2][3].
Joining van Basten in the TV studio was former Bundesliga star Rafael van der Vaart. Both experts criticized the entertainment for distracting the players. Consequently, the players had to cut their warm-up short, leaving the dressing room half an hour before the kickoff. Van Basten questioned UEFA's decision, calling it "laughable" [1][2][3].
The performance was part of Linkin Park's promotional activities for their 2024 album "From Zero," with Emily Armstrong joining Mike Shinoda as the new singer [1]. Despite the controversy, Linkin Park's appearance was seen as a significant event in the buildup to their world tour [1].
PSG's emphatic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final overshadowed the pre-match debate, marking their first Champions League title and completing a continental treble [4]. Nonetheless, the criticism from Van Basten highlights ongoing discussions about striking a balance between entertainment and sports at major events such as the Champions League final.
[1] Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa[2] Marco van Basten expresses criticism towards Linkin Park, UEFA, Ziggo Sport[3] Linkin Park performance at Champions League final criticized by Marco van Basten, talksport.com[4] Paris Saint-Germain secures first Champions League title, BBC Sport
The criticism from Marco van Basten, a Champions League and European championship winner, echoed in the broadcast on Ziggo Sport, questioning the suitability of Linkin Park's performance at the Champions League final in Munich's Allianz Arena, as it distracted the players and interfered with their pre-match warm-up. This performance was part of Linkin Park's promotional activities for their 2024 album "From Zero," with Emily Armstrong joining Mike Shinoda as the new singer.
Despite the controversy, the pre-match entertainment was viewed as a notable event in the buildup to Linkin Park's world tour. However, Van Basten's remarks highlighted ongoing discussions about the balance between entertainment and sports at major events like the Champions League final, particularly in light of PSG's emphatic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final, overshadowing the controversy and marking their first Champions League title, completing a continental treble.
