Spain defender Marc Cucurella has claimed he does not know what Germany fans ‘were trying to achieve’ after he was booed during their Euro 2024 semi-final win over France.
Cucurella was loudly booed by fans from the start of Spain’s 2-1 semi-final win over France on Tuesday night in Munich.
The Chelsea defender had been targeted amid a controversial handball decision in Spain’s quarter-final win over Germany last Friday.
Germany star Jamal Musiala’s goal-bound effort was blocked by Cucurella’s hand inside the penalty area with the score level at 1-1 in extra time.
Germany players and their fans were adamant that it should have been a penalty, but referee Anthony Taylor insisted Cucurella’s arm was not in an unnatural position and waved away their appeals. His decision was backed up the VAR officials.
Spain went on to win thanks to a 119th-minute goal from Mikel Merino as Germany were dumped out.
Despite the decision being correct under UEFA’s interpretation of the handball law, Germany fans have reacted with outrage, with a petition launched for the quarter-final to be replayed.
Cucurella reportedly appeared surprised after he was booed by Germany fans, but insisted he had done nothing wrong.
‘These are things that happen, I’m not to blame for anything,’ Cucurella told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.
‘I don’t know what they were trying to achieve with that, but that’s the way it is.
‘The most important thing is that we’re in the final, and that’s it.’
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente claimed the boos motivated Cucurella to perform better against France during the semi-final triumph.
The defender’s team-mate Daniel Vivian offered the strongest criticism, claiming the treatment of Cucurella was ‘a disgrace’.
‘No player deserves this,’ he said, as reported by Kicker.
‘I think if you come onto a football pitch to boo someone, you have no respect for someone who is doing their job.’
Cucurella has had a strong tournament in Germany, starting five of his team’s six matches.
The defender was impressive as Spain booked their place in Sunday’s final by beating France.
Spain await the winners of the second semi-final between England and the Netherlands.
