Family members of RCD Mallorca expressed their dissatisfaction regarding the behavior of Real Madrid supporters during the recent Spanish Supercup semi-final held in Saudi Arabia. After the game concluded, those affiliated with Mallorca, including players’ families, faced intimidation from a group of Real Madrid fans as they attempted to leave the stadium. Cristina Palavra, wife of Mallorca player Dani Rodriguez, reported feeling harassed alongside other women and children in their party. She noted that while she was physically unharmed, the experience was unsettling, with fans taking close-up photos without their consent.
Pere, a dedicated Mallorca supporter, corroborated the claims of harassment, stating that there was an uncomfortable 15-20 minute journey from their seats to the team bus, with fans shouting at them and getting too close for comfort. The situation escalated to a point where the female members of their group experienced unwanted physical contact and further harassment.
This incident raises concerns about the safety and security of non-Real Madrid fans at events hosted in unfamiliar territories. While some, including Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti, praised the positive atmosphere in Saudi Arabia, others have expressed that it felt overly supportive of the larger clubs, further alienating smaller teams.
This unfortunate incident may spark discussions regarding fan behavior and security measures at international sporting events, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the well-being of all attendees. Despite this setback, the hope remains that future events can cultivate a more inclusive and respectful environment for all fans, allowing for a celebration of football without harassment or intimidation.