The Official World Cup 2010 Thread

[Unknown Soldier]

Originally Posted by Zaqarbal

I don't have information about it. Who exactly treated him badly? And for what reason? Was it just for being an Argentine or was there any personal conflict? Anyway, that would be just a particular case. Only one among hundreds of Argentine footballers who have played in Spain without any problem.

EDIT: As an example of an Argentine player treated with affection in Spain, I could mention Mario Alberto Kempes, an idol in Valencia since the 70's.

Well known fact that he was treated extremely badly by the Spanish press at his time at Barcelona, not really for being an Argentine but more so for being part indigenous, same complaint has been made by several Colombians players over the years in Spain towards the Spanish press as well.

When these players play well and regardless of where they are from, yes they are treated like idols. Play badly and they have faced a backlash over the years that went way beyond footballing criticism.

[Zaqarbal]

Originally Posted by Unknown Soldier

Well known fact that he was treated extremely badly by the Spanish press at his time at Barcelona, not really for being an Argentine but more so for being part indigenous, same complaint has been made by several Colombians players over the years in Spain towards the Spanish press as well.

I've never heard of that. It must have been a very small part of the press. In fact, in the last 30-25 years, the Spanish press has been (and still is), in general terms, predominantly left-wing.

Originally Posted by Unknown Soldier

When these players play well and regardless of where they are from, yes they are treated like idols. Play badly and they have faced a backlash over the years that went way beyond footballing criticism.

Regardless of where they are from. And that happens in many other countries too.

[Unknown Soldier]

Originally Posted by Zaqarbal

I've never heard of that. It must have been a very small part of the press. In fact, in the last 30-25 years, the Spanish press has been (and still is), in general terms, predominantly left-wing.

Regardless of where they are from. And that happens in many other countries too.

Catalunya is predominantly left wing anyway largely in response to Madrid, but most of the cynicism directed to Maradona was directed by them anyway and poltics just didn`t come into it.

There is a backlash against them yes in football terms but not in racial this is the point being made in this example.