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- Cucurella was booed when he touched the ball during Spain’s semi-final victory
- The defender was attacked by fans for his alleged handball against Germany
Spain defender Marc Cucurella claimed he did not know what German fans were “trying to achieve” after he was booed during the Euro 2024 semi-final against France.
Cucurella was loudly booed by fans from the start of Spain’s 2-1 semi-final victory over France in Munich on Tuesday evening.
The Chelsea defender was the target of a controversial handball decision in Spain’s quarter-final against Germany last Friday.
A shot from German star player Jamal Musiala was blocked by Cucurella’s hand in the penalty area. In extra time the score was level again (1-1).
The German players and their fans were adamant that it should have been a penalty, but referee Anthony Taylor insisted that Cucurella’s arm was not in an unnatural position and waved away their appeals. His decision was supported by the VAR officials.
Marc Cucurella admitted he was surprised after being booed by German fans as Spain beat France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024
The boos came from German fans after he was not penalised for handball in the Spanish quarter-final against the home side.
Spain eventually won thanks to a goal from Mikel Merino in the 119th minute after Germany had been eliminated.
Although the decision was correct according to UEFA’s interpretation of handball law, German fans reacted angrily and started a petition calling for the quarter-final to be replayed.
Cucurella appeared surprised when he was booed by German fans, but he insisted he had done nothing wrong.
“These are things that happen, I am not to blame for anything,” Cucurella told the Spanish radio station Kadena Cope.
‘I don’t know what they wanted to achieve with that, but that’s the way it is.
“The most important thing is that we are in the final, that’s all.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente claimed the booing motivated Cucurella to perform better against France during their semi-final victory.
Cucurella impressed against France, helping Spain qualify for the 2024 European Championship final on Sunday
The defender’s teammate, Daniel Vivian, was the most critical, calling Cucurella’s treatment “a disgrace.”
“No player deserves this,” he said, as reported by Spades.
“I think if you walk onto a football field to boo someone, you’re not showing respect for someone who’s doing their job.”
Cucurella played a strong tournament in Germany, starting five of his team’s six games.
The defender impressed as Spain secured a place in the final by beating France on Sunday.
Spain awaits the winner of the second semi-final between England and the Netherlands.