Football fandom can get crazy, especially in today’s digital times. But what happened when a world No 1 athlete, a known supporter of one club, is seen in the colours of its bitter city rival? Social media uproar and click bait headlines, and in the case of a certain Rafael Nadal, more comparions to Roger Federer.
Nadal, a long time Real Madrid supporter who was attended the Europa League semi-final match between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal at the Wanda Metropolitano and was spotted with the Spanish club’s jersey worn as a scarf.
Twitter users immediately noticed the supposed transgression and started sharing photos of him in rival colours. Such was the fan reaction online, that he actually had to defend himself when he was asked about last week’s match at the on-going Madrid Masters tournament.
“Well, there is a problem with today’s society, that to be a true supporter of one team, it seems that you have to be anti another team,” Nadal said.
“I just support Real Madrid. I have a lot of friends that are from Atletico.They are playing in a competition in Europe against an English team. I just went there to support Atletico Madrid. They invited me. I just wanted to enjoy the day, to see a great football match,’ he added.
The world No 1 also clarified why he had the club’s colours around his neck during the match. There is a simple reason, he was cold.
“The (club’s) president gave me a T-shirt as a gift. At night it was a little bit chilly, a little bit cold, and I just used it as a scarf. That’s all,” he said.
However, the Spanards didn’t hold back his words over the incident. “But it’s always the same stuff. Maybe there’s too much hypocrisy, or I would say you people in the media have to write too many things, so you have to explore some stupid things,” he said.
Nadal, who has also been seen in Barcelona colours as a kid with his uncle Miguel Angel Nadal, who played for the Catalan club, clearly has ties across La Liga. However, he has called himself a Real Madrid supporter more than once, often attending their games and has tifos dedicated to him at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Diego Simeone’s men won the match 1-0 and will play the final clash against Marseille.
Nadal also spoke about El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, which ended in a 2-2 draw and drew a lot of flak over refreeing.
“I don’t have to talk about football referees The poor referee will have a lot on his back because you have been speaking about them for hours and hours. I’m not going to contribute to that show. I think it was a great football match, nice to see. I really enjoyed the football,” he said.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!