De la Fuente saddened by whistles at San Mamés, calls for respect | OneFootball

Luis de la Fuente expressed sadness after a section of San Mamés booed the stadium’s tribute to Spain’s world title, despite widespread applause. The Spain head coach remained in the directors’ box and looked perplexed.

According to as.com, a small group, mainly in the Grada de Animación, whistled during the homage, which included the cup being carried to the centre circle by Simón, Laporte and Nico.

The ceremony also contained a minute’s silence for Carmelo Cedrún and recognition for Elene Gurtubay and Ziara Vega as European Under-19 champions. De la Fuente was acknowledged discreetly to avoid further friction.

Days earlier, a social media message urged fans attending on 22 August to say no to the Spain team and yes to the Basque selection, encouraging ikurriñas, scarves and banners to stress a Basque identity.

De la Fuente said he felt sorry, plain and simple, and highlighted his long links with Athletic, having played there and spent 18 years at the club since childhood, calling it a vital heritage.

He argued that players formed in Lezama and Bizkaia becoming world champions with their club underscores football’s power as spectacle and unity, before criticising the conduct of that section of the crowd.

He stressed that respect must never be lost and that coexistence is far easier when everyone starts from respect.

Source: as.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”