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- Marc Cucurella was not penalised for handball in the quarter-final vs Germany
- German fans had not forgotten about it as they booed him in the semi-final
Marc Cucurella was loudly booed by fans from the start of Spain’s semi-final with France on Tuesday night after being involved in a controversial incident in his side’s quarter-final win over hosts Germany.
In Friday’s last-eight encounter, Jamal Musiala’s goal-bound effort was blocked by Cucurella’s arm inside the penalty area with the score level at 1-1 in extra time.
Germany players and their fans were adamant that it should have been a penalty, but referee Anthony Taylor insisted Cucurella’s arm was not in an unnatural position and waved away their appeals. His decision was backed up the VAR officials.
Spain went on to win thanks to a 119th-minute goal from Mikel Merino as Germany were dumped out.
And their fans have clearly not forgotten about the handball incident as they booed Cucurella as soon as he touched the ball in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Marc Cucurella was booed every time he touched the ball in Spain’s semi-final vs France
The boos came from German fans after he was not penalised for handball in Spain’s quarter-final win over the hosts
The Chelsea full back got on the ball regularly in the opening minutes, and each time he was booed and whistled by the Munich crowd.
The boos were noted by the BBC commentary team, as they quickly noted that Cucurella had become Public Enemy No1 in Germany.
In the hours after the quarter-final, a petition was set up calling for the game to be replayed, such was the outrage at Germany being denied a penalty.
It was signed by thousands of fans but to no avail as Spain kept their place in the semi-finals.
Cucurella has had a strong tournament in Germany, starting five of his team’s six matches.
But the German fans wanted to make it clear right from the off that he was in for a difficult evening as Spain aimed to book their place in Sunday’s final.