'Ultimate snake': Nadal angers Spanish football fans
Rafael Nadal has felt the wrath of Real Madrid fans after a controversial move at the Europa League semi-finals.
The tennis World No.1 was in attendance for Athletico Madrid’s clash with Arsenal in his native Spain on Friday.
Nadal watched on as Atletico won 1-0 to reach a fifth continental final in nine seasons and deny outgoing manager Arsene Wenger a last attempt at an international trophy with the Gunners.
Fans were initially thrilled to see Nadal at the game, however TV viewers noticed something peculiar about his attire.
Despite being a high-profile Real Madrid fan (Athletico Madrid’s cross-town rivals), Nadal was wearing an Athletico scarf.
The Spaniard was probably just supporting his fellow countrymen regardless of which Madrid team it was, but Real fans were far from impressed, with many labelling him a ‘snake’.
Rafael Nadal, a huge Real Madrid fan, with an Atletico shirt around his neck pic.twitter.com/efBx4PVHmr
— Adam Jones (@AdamJonesSJ) May 3, 2018
Nadal "supports" Real Madrid, supported Barca growing up because his uncle played for them, and is now wearing an Atleti scarf. The ultimate snake, Federer would never. pic.twitter.com/9WlFbkKpuD
— Jake. (@YedIin) May 3, 2018
Nadal wearing an Atléti scarf? Always thought Federer was the superior tennis player.
— Xav Salazar (@XavsFutbol) May 3, 2018
Rafael Nadal, a well-known supporter of Real Madrid, in the stands at Atletico / Arsenal wearing an Atletico scarf. That will cause some uproar. pic.twitter.com/uO3B3CvsHF
— Michael Gallo (@Galloots) May 3, 2018
Sure I've seen nadal at Real Madrid games before cheering them on & celebrating goals there he is on the tele with Atletico colours round him
— Birmingham RSC (@RSCBirmingham) May 3, 2018
Eh? Isn't Rafa Nadal meant to be huge Real Madrid fan?!? He is looking delighted with the Atleti win.. Further proof Federer is the pic.twitter.com/QqWvWdea0b
— Krishan Majithia (@krishm91) May 3, 2018
NADAL IS REALLY OUT THERE SUPPORTING ATLETICO AND WEARING SCARF AND KIT? You've always been Madridista, have some dignity ffs. Literally disgusted.
— (@_anamarri) May 3, 2018
Also Rafa Nadal? That’s like @GNev2 going to Anfield and wearing a Liverpool scarf.
— Luke Pegg (@LukePegg) May 3, 2018
Rafa Nadal has taken off his Atletico Scarf. Gonna be awkward when he arrives at the Bernabeu next time out #ATLARS
— Derek Goulding (@derekgoulding) May 3, 2018
Wtf is Nadal doing in pathetico scarf?
— Anita (@Anita_O) May 3, 2018
Rafa Nadal anaw. He’s annoyed me. Meant to be a Real Madrid fan but chilling there with an At. Madrid scarf and flag. Absolute roaster.
— Shaun Corrigan (@iShaunCorrigan) May 3, 2018
Nadal is a snake. Man is a Real Madrid fan but is sitting in the stands with an Atleti scarf wrapped around him.
— S. (@Zeus_Cannon) May 3, 2018
No loyalty that Rafael Nadal. Claims to be a Real Madrid fan but watching the game tonight with an Atleti scarf on. Wouldn’t be like that myself. #TheseJoesAreLoyal
— Joe (@JoeColes_11) May 3, 2018
Diego Costa struck in first-half stoppage time for Atletico for a 2-1 aggregate semi-final win after Arsenal lost captain and defender Laurent Koscielny on a seemingly grave leg injury early in the match.
Atletico reached their ninth European final and will be gunning for a fourth title, following Cup Winners’ Cup success in 1962, and Europa League titles 2010 and 2012.