Why Spain players don't sing the national anthem before games
Spain's players were spotted refraining from singing the national anthem ahead of their Euro 2024 opener with Croatia in Berlin.
Before the Group B clash at the Olympiastadion, the anthems of both nations were played.
But not a single Spanish player was seen singing their song, 'La Marcha Real', with plenty of fans on social media wondering why.
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The anthem, composed by Manuel de Espinosa de los Monteros in 1771 before it became Spain's trademark track when Queen Isabella II, is one of four in the world lacking lyrics alongside San Marino, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It did previously though, with words added by General Franco in his spell as dictator between 1938 and 1973.
Yet when he was no longer in power, the lyrics were taken out to avoid any type of association to Franco and his dictatorship.
As per Metro, lyrics have been suggested, including the Spanish Olympic Committee trying to add in ‘Viva Espana' - only to see their efforts rebuffed due to the term having links to Franco.
Some supporters do sing unofficial lyrics in the stands but the players, who are made up of regions like Catalonia, the Basque country or Tenerife, do not partake and instead remain silent.
Spain, three-time winners of the competition, have been placed in Group B alongside Croatia, Italy and Albania for the showpiece.
Luis de la Fuente's side went 3-0 up in the first half of their first fixture courtesy of goals from captain Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal.
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Josh Lawless