Spanish star brutally booed and whistled every time he touches the ball against France and fans now know why

The BBC’s coverage of the Euro 2024 semi final between Spain vs France was interrupted by persistent boos and fans know why.

The two sides met at the Allianz Arena after getting past Germany and Portugal respectively – with a place in the final against England or the Netherlands in store for the winner.

France drew first blood after Randal Kolo Mouani headed home from a precise Kylian Mbappe cross before 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal equalised for Spain with a glorious first Euro 2024 goal.

Spain turned it around after Dani Olmo’s exquisite touch and strike saw Jules Kounde put through his own net as he attempted to clear the ball.

But the opening exchanges were dominated by whistles for Spain left-back Marc Cucurella.

The Chelsea defender has had an impressive tournament but he received a loud negative reaction anytime he touched the ball.

And it appears as though the boos are from German fans in attendance – in relation to a handball incident which went unpunished on Friday.

At first there was plenty of confusion as to why Cucurella was getting jeered but plenty picked up on it on social media.

And commentator Steve Wilson also provided an explanation while in the gantry with Jermaine Jenas.

Image: Getty

One user wrote: “Nice of all those German fans to turn up just to boo Marc Cucurella.

A second said: “Wow. Marc Cucurella is getting loud boos whenever he’s on the ball. Maybe it’s for the handball v Germany…”

A third added: “Huge number of Germany fans here – and are booing Marc Cucurella’s name, over that handball incident in the quarter-final.”

A fourth reacted by writing: “Marc Cucurella being booed by German supporters every single time he gets near the ball in a game between Spain and France was definitely not on my EURO 2024 bingo card.”

A final person stated: “Cucurella being booed by the Germans in the crowd because the referee didn’t give Germany a penalty.”