Real Madrid fans want Steve McManaman's Champions League medals 'voided', accuse him of being a hater

Real Madrid fans are washing their hands of former player Steve McManaman after his punditry on BT Sport.

McManaman joined Los Blancos on a free transfer in 1999 and went on to make 158 appearances, scoring 14 times.

He won two Champions Leagues, including scoring in the final against Valencia, as well as lifting two La Liga titles.

But despite being a successful British export in Spain and having eight trophies to show for his efforts, Real supporters aren't best pleased with the former England international these days.

McManaman was in the BT Sport studio for Real's 5-1 thumping of Celtic on Wednesday night and on social media, many were critical of what he had to say about them.

In fact, the response was so strong that some were distancing themselves from the 50-year-old and even wanted his medals taken off him.

One fan commented: "Every time I watch Steve McManaman's analysis of Real Madrid matches I wonder what Madrid did to him. Could it be because he wasn't recognised as a Real Madrid legend or what?"

Another said: "Never seen a Madrid hater like this Steve McManaman guy. It is funny that he once played for Madrid."

A third wrote: "Steve McManaman is a professional Real Madrid hater. The weird bit is he’s 2x UCL winner with Madrid."

The Real reaction appears to be in relation to the Galactico not agreeing with the two penalties Real were given for handball in the first half.

He branded them "rubbish" and said they spoiled the contest at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"I personally think that the two Real Madrid penalties are awful, rubbish, spoil the game," McManaman said.

"I just think they are terrible decisions. I mean, yes, the ball does strike the arm on both of them. But if Valverde hits that properly, it avoids the defender completely. I just think Celtic have been really unlucky.

"Yes it hits his arm and is in the penalty area, Luka Modric puts it away, but there's just no real reasoning behind the play itself and I was just really disappointed with them."

14-time champions Real topped Group F after finishing a point ahead of RB Leipzig.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Real Madrid, Liverpool, Champions League

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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