Spain's Cucurella criticises booing German fans: 'wasted tickets'

Spain defender Marc Cucurella has expressed little understanding for the German fans who booed him throughout during the Euro 2024 semi-final match against France.

Cucurella was booed every time he had the ball by German spectators in Munich, in the wake of his handball incident in the quarter-final against Germany which did not result in a penalty.

"At the start, I was surprised," left back Cucurella told The Athletic portal ahead of Sunday's final against England.

"I realised for the first time when my name was read out before the match, and a lot of people started booing. I thought about it a bit and soon figured out they came for the handball situation.

"I did not care too much, but at the same time, it felt a bit sad that some people came to that game just to boo a single player. Some people wasted tickets that could have gone to fans who would have really enjoyed the match."

Cucurella said he had a similar incident when he left Brighton & Hove Albion for Chelsea in 2022 and then returned to the stadium with his new side.

"I got used to that when I returned to Brighton in a Chelsea shirt. It was another night when the boos were really loud every time I touched the ball, so I got used to it.

"The first time I went through this ... I won’t say it’s an unbearable feeling but it’s unpleasant. Now I’m more used to it."