Marc Cucurella Booed On Real Madrid Debut Over Handball From Two Years Ago

Marc Cucurella’s first appearance for Real Madrid has confirmed that changing clubs, winning the World Cup and waiting two years is still not enough to make Germany forget about his arm.

The former Chelsea defender made his Madrid debut during a 3-0 pre-season victory over Schalke at the Veltins-Arena, coming on for the final half-hour as José Mourinho continued preparations for the new La Liga season.

He was booed by sections of the German crowd almost immediately.

The problem dates back to Spain’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Germany, when Jamal Musiala’s shot struck Cucurella’s arm inside the penalty area with the scores level at 1-1.

Referee Anthony Taylor allowed play to continue and VAR did not intervene. Spain eventually won 2-1 in extra time through Mikel Merino and went on to win the tournament.

UEFA later acknowledged that a penalty should have been awarded under its guidance at the time.

Germany has apparently decided this remains Cucurella’s personal administrative responsibility.

The defender was subsequently booed by German supporters during Spain’s semi-final and final at Euro 2024, and the reception has followed him back to the country since.

Cucurella has previously pointed out the fairly significant detail that he was not the person responsible for making the decision.

That defence has so far failed to move proceedings along.

Two years later, Cucurella has changed clubs, become a world champion and started a new career at Real Madrid.

The handball case remains open.