Whistle against Beckenbauer – scandal at minute’s silence in Saudi Arabia Three Swiss wins, three losses – the NHL evening at a glance

The football world is mourning Franz Beckenbauer these days. As the family of the ’emperor’ announced at the beginning of this week, he died on Sunday at the age of 78. Since then, countless companions have commented, praising the shining light of German football.

«Franz Beckenbauer is the greatest personality FC Bayern has ever had. As a player, coach, president, person: unforgettable. No one will ever reach him. People can say that they saw football during the time of Franz Beckenbauer. He was a friend to me, a unique companion – and a gift to us all,” Uli Hoeness remembers.

Nowadays the ’emperor’ is not only honored with great words, but also with deeds. There have already been suggestions to rename the DFB Cup or the Munich Arena in his favor. The home ground of FC Bayern is currently lighting up the Munich night sky with a large inscription: “Thank you Franz” on the facade of the Allianz Arena.

Beckenbauer’s appreciation extends far beyond the country’s borders. He is also present at the Supercopa, the Spanish Super Cup. On Wednesday evening, Real Madrid and local rival Atlético Madrid played the first semi-final in Riyadh Saudi Arabia (Real won a spectacular derby 5-3 after extra time).

Fans in Saudi Arabia whistle during a minute’s silence for Beckenbauer

The professionals of both teams wore mourning ribbons. They also commemorated the “Emperor” with a minute’s silence before kick-off. However, this did not apply to all stadium guests.

Because when the professionals stood respectfully in the center circle, loud whistling sounded from the stands. It is unclear what exactly is behind the disrespectful behavior of the Saudi fans. One possibility could be Beckenbauer’s controversial role in awarding the World Cup to Qatar. Saudi Arabia does not have a good relationship with its small neighbor.

The whistles against Beckenbauer in particular were probably particularly insulting to Toni Kroos, who was on the bench at the start of the match. The world champion from Rio recently called for more respect for the greats of the sport in his podcast ‘Einfach Mal Luppen’. “Let’s accept that someone is so great and such a good person that he deserves to be celebrated all his life,” said Toni Kroos.

FC Bayern is planning a grand farewell program

An extensive tribute to Beckenbauer is planned for this weekend in the Bundesliga when play resumes after the winter break. In addition to a minute’s silence and mourning ribbons at all matches, Bayern Munich has planned a major support act.

Videos from Beckenbauer’s life will be shown in the stadium ahead of the home match against Hoffenheim (Friday, 8:30 p.m.), the song “Good Friends” that he once sang will be played over the stadium’s loudspeakers and fans can sign a condolence book .

There should be no whistles.

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