Cucurella embraces Germany hostility after Euro 2024 penalty controversy

Marc Cucurella has joked that he may never be welcome in Germany again after continuing to be booed by supporters over a disputed incident at Euro 2024.

The Real Madrid and Spain player said German fans still hold him responsible for an incident during the quarter-final between the two sides, despite the decision being made by referee Anthony Taylor.

“I know I will never be able to play in Germany – they remind me of that every time,” Cucurella told Spanish radio station COPE.

When it was suggested that the mistake had been made by the referee rather than by him, Cucurella replied: “Yes, yes, yes, without the slightest doubt. But I do not know why they made me responsible and directed their anger at me. Anyway, these things happen.”

He added jokingly: “I know I cannot play in Germany. I am very popular there.”

The controversy occurred during extra time of the Euro 2024 quarter-final, with the score level at 1-1, when a shot by Jamal Musiala struck Cucurella’s hand inside the penalty area. Taylor decided not to award Germany a penalty.

The decision angered the home supporters, particularly after Spain won 2-1 through Mikel Merino’s goal in the final minute of extra time, eliminating the hosts from the tournament.

Cucurella was then targeted by German fans during Spain’s semi-final against France, with jeers greeting almost every touch he made.

The hostility also followed him into club football. He was booed by German supporters during Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig.

Uefa later acknowledged in a report by its referees’ committee that failing to award Germany a penalty for the handball had been the wrong decision.

Cucurella has previously defended himself by saying he could not be held responsible for decisions made by referees. However, the incident continues to follow him more than two years after Germany’s elimination from the competition.

Cucurella praises Real Madrid and Arda Guler

In a separate interview with the El Partidazo programme on COPE, Cucurella described Real Madrid as “currently the best team in Europe” after a strong run of results.

“We are currently the best team in Europe. We have put together a very good run of results and the team looks very serious,” he said.

Asked whether Real Madrid were better than Paris Saint-Germain, he added: “I do not watch their matches very often.”

Cucurella selected Arda Guler when asked which Real Madrid player had surprised him most, rather than choosing Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham or Thibaut Courtois.

“I could choose Mbappe, Bellingham or Courtois, but I will mention a player I like very much who does not receive enough attention – Arda Guler,” he said.

“He plays a lot and has great quality. When he is on the pitch, the team plays better and our passing becomes more connected. He is the player who has surprised me the most.”

Comparing Diomande with Vinicius Junior, Cucurella said Diomande’s runs were more noticeable, although he did not believe the player helped him more than Vinicius.

“Diomande makes one run in behind and you see him everywhere. Vinicius makes three runs, then there is one where he does not run, and that is the one everyone notices,” he said.