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Barcelona president Joan Laporta faces similar backlash to Toni Kroos in Saudi Arabia as comments resurface

Home> Football> La Liga> FC Barcelona

Updated 14:40 11 Jan 2024 GMTPublished 14:37 11 Jan 2024 GMT

Barcelona president Joan Laporta faces similar backlash to Toni Kroos in Saudi Arabia as comments resurface

There could be some hostility.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta could face similar backlash to that received by Toni Kroos from fans in Saudi Arabia after comments made about the Saudi Pro League.

Real Madrid star Kroos was playing in the Spanish Super Cup - which is being hosted in Saudi Arabia - on Wednesday evening.

He helped Real to beat Atletico Madrid 5-3 to win their semi-final - but was on the receiving end of constant booing from the fans in attendance at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.

Every touch was jeered by most of the fans in attendance, with some even deciding to cheer when the Germany midfielder slipped while attempting a pass.

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The reason for the whistles and jeers aimed at Kroos dates back to the summer, when he was critical of players for moving to the Saudi Pro League.

He particularly took aim at Gabri Veiga, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder whose performances were vital in keeping Celta Vigo in La Liga last season before he joined Al Ahli in a surprise move.

In response to an Instagram post from Fabrizio Romano surrounding the transfer, Kroos simply wrote: "Embarrassing."

The reaction from the crowd didn't seem to upset the 34-year-old too much though, as he remarked on X (Twitter) afterwards: "That was fun today! Amazing crowd."

In the final of the Spanish Super Cup, Real will play the winner of Thursday's semi-final between Barcelona and Osasuna.

And should Saudi fans lay eyes on Barca president Laporta, they may have a similar response to every time Kroos touched the ball against Atletico.

Laporta was also critical of players for moving to the Saudi Pro League, telling CNN last August: "When a player, and with all respect, prefers to go to Saudi Arabia, basically there are no sporting reasons.

"You know, there are other reasons that are the priority. And the football must be the priority - the sporting reasons must be the priority."

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Joan Laporta, Barcelona, Toni Kroos, Real Madrid, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

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