2024-01-11 13:05:47
The semi-final of the Spanish Supercopa between Real and Atlético Madrid delivered an exciting match in Riyadh last night, but was also accompanied by some painful moments. For example, a moment in honor of the deceased Franz Beckenbauer was not respected, just as Toni Kroos was booed fiercely after his substitute appearance. The German midfielder of Real Madrid has already spoken negatively about football in Saudi Arabia, with Beckenbauer it is said to be a cultural problem.
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“Had fun today! Great crowd.” The cynical reaction of Toni Kroos (34) was obvious after the 5-3 win against Atlético in the Riyadh Stadium Al-Awwal Park, the home of Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. When he came on as a substitute – the midfielder replaced Modric in minute 66 – he was loudly whistled at, after which Kroos was attracted by fanatical supporters with every touch of the ball. That only turned into cheers when Kroos slipped while sending a long pass. In a stadium filled mainly by fans with white shirts, a somewhat surreal experience.
LOOK. Toni Kroos whistled by Saudi fans
It turns out that recent comments from Kroos about football in Saudi Arabia have not fallen on deaf ears. “They say they have a lot of ambition, but the reality is that everything revolves around money. Ultimately, it is a decision against football and for money,” said Kroos when asked last summer for his opinion about the many players who moved to the Saudi Pro League.
Kroos certainly did not like the transfer of Spanish talent Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo to Al-Ahli. The 21-year-old Spanish attacking midfielder could have gone to English or Italian top clubs after a good season with eleven goals in Galicia, but preferred the Middle East. “Embarrassing,” Kroos thought. “Football as we know and love it is becoming increasingly difficult,” Kroos said.
Kroos didn’t let it get to his heart during the match, but refused to celebrate ostentatiously after Real’s fourth and fifth goals. “I honestly don’t understand it,” was Real coach Ancelotti’s reaction after the match. “I have already talked to him about it.”
Toni Kroos @ToniKroos
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And there was also a striking moment before the match, when the fans suddenly started cheering during a moment in memory of German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, who died on Monday. On social media, fans worldwide quickly assumed that Beckenbauer also had no affection for Saudi football, but on closer inspection it turns out to be a cultural problem.
© AFP
“This had nothing to do with the person of Beckenbauer, but with our culture,” the Spanish Cadena SER quotes a local journalist. “A minute’s silence for someone is frowned upon here. That is a tradition in Saudi Arabia.” According to the journalist, it was certainly not the first time that the public expressed its disgust for such a moment. Both Real and Atlético players played with a black armband in honor of ‘der Kaiser’.
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LOOK. What a spectacle! Real to Supercopa final after blood-curdling derby against Atlético with eight goals
© AFP
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