Real Sociedad captain responds to offensive chants targeting Real Madrid talent – ‘Not the right way’ | OneFootball

Real Sociedad may have suffered a setback in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals against Real Madrid, but captain Mikel Oyarzabal found reasons to remain optimistic.

Despite the defeat, he highlighted several positive aspects of his team’s performance, showing confidence in their ability to respond in the second leg.

Amidst the talk about these positives, one of the most talked-about moments of the match occurred just before half-time, when the referee decided to pause the game following complaints from Real Madrid players.

The interruption came after offensive chants were directed at Madrid’s Raul Asensio by a section of the crowd at the Reale Arena.

The situation led to a temporary halt in proceedings, drawing attention to the importance of maintaining respect within football stadiums.

Oyarzabal’s take on the incident

Although such incidents are not uncommon in heated encounters, Oyarzabal emphasised that the actions of a few individuals should not reflect on the entire fanbase.

Raul Asencio was targetted by Real Sociedad fans. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“As in many stadiums, what a few chants do not tarnish the rest of the fans,” he began saying as quoted by SPORT.

He acknowledged that offensive chants have no place in football and should be condemned but stressed that there are better ways to address such issues.

“Obviously, insults are condemned, we don’t like them. I think there are other ways to condemn the facts or acts that someone may have done, but I think it is not the right way.”

His stance underlined the need for supporters to express their passion in a more respectful manner without resorting to insults or inappropriate behaviour.

“We join the cause that it is not that way and if it has to be done it is another way,” he added.

During the brief stoppage, stadium officials took swift action to prevent further escalation.

Announcements were made over the loudspeakers, and messages were displayed on the video scoreboards urging an end to the chants.

Once the situation was under control, the referee restarted the match, and no further incidents of this nature occurred for the remainder of the game.