Anoeta pays tribute to Oyarzabal after World Cup triumph | OneFootball

41 days after the MetLife Stadium final in New York, Mikel Oyarzabal was honoured at Anoeta this afternoon for Spain’s World Cup win in a low-key ceremony warmly received by Real Sociedad’s crowd.

According to Diario Vasco, applause outweighed jeers, though a few whistles were heard. The captain was saluted before kick-off in Real Sociedad’s first home game against Espanyol on matchday three, displaying his medal and a replica trophy as he passed a team-mates’ guard of honour.

The Aitor Zabaleta stand stood empty during the tribute, a banner reading "Euskal Herriak ofizialtasuna!" backing official status for the Euskal Selekzioa. As urged by Bultzada, it refilled after the first five minutes.

It was not his first tribute this week. On Wednesday, alongside Cucurella, the Eibar-born forward was applauded at the Santiago Bernabéu before Real Sociedad lost 4-1 to Real Madrid.

Club ceremonies for Spain’s world champions have stirred debate since the Spanish Football Federation proposed tributes across LaLiga. They continue through tomorrow, when Celta de Vigo will honour Borja Iglesias.

Barcelona are the only club to refuse, despite having eight world champions. The club suspended its act this week. The late cancellation came amid anger over National Police actions near Elche’s stadium last Sunday, when several officers arrested and violently beat a minor Barcelona fan carrying an estelada.

Source: Diario Vasco

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