Spain defender Marc Cucurella has responded to being booed during Tuesday’s Euro 2024 semi-final with France.
The Chelsea defender drew a hostile reception from sections of the support inside the Allianz Arena as La Roja beat Les Bleus to reach Sunday’s final in Berlin.
After a difficult season at club level, Cucurella has proven a crucial part of the Spanish set-up and has largely been hailed for his performances in Germany.
It, however, has been suggested that German fans inside the Allianz targeted him after a controversial hand ball decision went in his favour during the quarter-final win over Germany.
Jamal Musiala’s effort appeared to be heading for goal before it struck Cucurella’s hand in the box as the two were locked at 1-1 during a tense period of extra-time, ultimately settled by Mikel Merino’s brilliant late header.
Referee Anthony Taylor had waved away calls from the German players and a UEFA statement later explained: “Cucurella’s hand was not in an unnatural position at the time it was hit by the ball.”
Reflecting on being booed by supporters, Cucurella told Cadena Cope: “These are things that happen, I'm not to blame for anything.
“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 reached their first European Championship final since 2012 with a 2-1 victory over the French, with Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo scoring after Randall Kolo Muani’s early header.
They will now play either England or the Netherlands in Sunday’s final.
