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On Sunday evening I got carried away. I watched the Clasico Real vs Barça on Sky in Riyadh. It sounds strange, and it is. The Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia is an expensive image acquisition for the kingdom through sporting events. I watched the game because I wanted to know if the fans in the stadium actually booed Real Madrid director Toni Kroos (34) – as they apparently did in the semi-final against Atlético Madrid.
Yes, they did it again. From the first touch of the ball until the very end of the game, when players from both teams were confused on the field and waited for the stage to be set for the transfer of the trophy, which ended with an over-the-top goal. , pompous fireworks.
Kroos reacts with irony
Toni Kroos, the one with the passports down to the millimeter, the German pacemaker at Real Madrid, the “inspector” as Marcel Reif says. A man with his own opinion. The German smiled around the stadium and waved to fans through the field camera. “Amazing crowd,” Kroos wrote ironically on X after the semi-final. “Today was a lot of fun.”
Kroos criticizes the Saudi transfer offensive in football. Especially young players who are still full of energy should not just look at the money. In the summer, he said that he would never move there himself. Apparently the Saudis heard him. Whistling and hooting are aimed at his critical attitude. Keep your mouth shut! This is probably the message. The Saudis, who are so proud of their culture, obviously feel that such statements violate their honor.
Huge applause for Modric
In the 81st minute they were again able to get their message across loudly. Kroos was then substituted, a shrill concert of whistles accompanying him as he defiantly sauntered towards the bench. He was replaced by another veteran Real Madrid star. Luka Modric (38), who has long been flirting with moving to the desert. Horvath received thunderous applause.
Being booed isn’t pleasant for anyone, and one or two footballers hoping to take part in the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia will probably think twice before publicly saying anything critical about a country that tramples on human rights. The whistles against Kroos were a foretaste that could be understood both as a warning and as an expression of freedom of speech. Football stars are not only adored by Saudi fans, but also critically acclaimed.
Sarri gets to the heart of the conflict
The Spanish Super Cup ended with Real Madrid winning, and the four clubs flew home with millions in their luggage. The next ones are already flying towards Saudi Arabia. Around 120 players are now on their way to Riyadh, where teams from Inter, Napoli, Fiorentina and Lazio will play the winner of the Italian Super Cup in the semi-finals and final starting on Thursday, following the Spanish model. Football absurdity, part 2. Both Florence and Naples initially refused to go to Saudi Arabia, preferring to play at home. But the Italian association threatened both teams with heavy fines and substitutions. So everyone gave up.
Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri (65), also a man of clear words, sums up the conflict: “This tournament is not about sport, but about something else. Let’s play, take the money and leave again. If this is the future of football, I’m glad I’m old.” Will Saudi fans boo Sarri now?
Source: Blick
I am David Miller, a highly experienced news reporter and author for 24 Instant News. I specialize in opinion pieces and have written extensively on current events, politics, social issues, and more. My writing has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC News. I strive to be fair-minded while also producing thought-provoking content that encourages readers to engage with the topics I discuss.
