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Real Madrid Players Booed at Bernabéu Amid Fan Fury Over Xabi Alonso Sacking
Real Madrid fans expressed their deep frustration at the Santiago Bernabéu during the La Liga match against Levante, booing star players Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham before and during the game. This outburst followed a tumultuous week for the club, including the sacking of beloved manager Xabi Alonso by "mutual consent" after a Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona, and a humiliating Copa del Rey elimination by second-tier Albacete.[1][4]
The hostility began as the team bus arrived, met with whistles in the streets, and intensified inside the stadium. Fans targeted the attacking duo—rumored to have clashed with Alonso's management style—when their names were announced and whenever they touched the ball. Vinicius appeared visibly affected, consoled by teammates amid especially loud jeers. Supporters also turned on club president Florentino Pérez, chanting "Florentino Pérez resign" and booing him on the big screens, while waving white handkerchiefs as a traditional sign of protest.[1][3][4]
In response, Real Madrid issued a stern warning to the "Grada de Animación" section, threatening to review security footage and ban booing fans, with the blunt message: "Whoever wants to boo, can boo outside the stadium." Despite pleas from interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa for unity—"In Real Madrid's 123-year history, the greatest achievements have been won when the Bernabéu is behind its players"—the dissent drowned out cheers from the organized ultras.[2][3]
Under Arbeloa, Madrid secured a 2-0 win with second-half goals from Kylian Mbappé and Raúl Asencio, but the victory was overshadowed by the unrest. Mbappé paid tribute to Alonso post-sacking, while Bellingham defended his support for the ex-coach against 'snake' accusations.[1][2] The events highlight a divided fanbase, torn between loyalty and anger over recent failures and leadership changes.
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