During the Copa del Rey semifinal match on February 26, 2025, Anti-Raúl Asencio chants erupted at Anoeta Stadium, disrupting the game between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid. The match was halted by referee José María Sánchez Martínez due to the offensive nature of the chants, which were directed at Real Madrid's Raúl Asencio, who is embroiled in serious legal issues.
These tensions started when fans of Real Sociedad began chanting "Muerte a Raúl Asencio" which translates to “Death to Raúl Asencio,” echoing through the stadium. This reaction was aligned with the recent scandal surrounding the player, who has been accused of involvement in the distribution of explicit content involving minors. The unanticipated eruption of such chants led to immediate concerns over fan conduct and the broader implications it holds for soccer culture.
The referee, responding to concerns raised by several players, particularly captain Vinícius Jr., decided to pause the match to address the situation. An announcement proclaimed on the stadium's public address system emphasized the need for respect among fans. The official message displayed at the stadium read, "No to racist, xenophobic, and intolerant chants, support your team by respecting the opponent." This reflects UEFA's initiative against discrimination, stressing the importance of creating a respectful atmosphere during matches.
The situation drew significant attention not only for its content but also because it highlights the increasingly hostile environment sports figures often find themselves amid shifting public sentiments and opinions. The chants, which critically disrupt the game, are part of a broader narrative of hostility toward Real Madrid players, with Vinícius Jr. having previously faced similar abuses during matches across Spain.
Before the interruption, tensions had already mounted on the pitch following a foul by Raúl as he received a yellow card for bringing down Ander Barrenetxea. This incident seems to have prompted the Sociedad crowd to amplify their outcry against the player, intertwining sports performance with the severe accusations he is currently facing.
The legal troubles of Raúl Asencio began when he was implicated on September 18, 2023, amid allegations involving the case of distribution of sensitive material. The situation escalated after the mother of one of the youths involved filed formal complaints with the authorities, resulting in police intervention. Although he was not at the scene of the related incident, his connection to the alleged dissemination rendered him part of the case, standing as the only implicated player who remains within the Real Madrid squad.
Management and fans alike have expressed concern about the psychological toll such experiences could take on players like Raúl. The incident on February 26 has fueled online discussions surrounding whether his substitution at halftime was intended to protect him from the hostile environment or purely tactical, as he was already on the brink of receiving another yellow card.
The controversy surrounding this match acts as both a reminder and warning of the delicate interaction between fan cultures, legal ramifications, and the world of professional sports. With player safety and welfare under scrutiny, it raises questions about responsibilities on behalf of fans to create supportive environments conducive to fair play.
Following the disruption initiated by the chants, the match resumed, continuing with Real Madrid eventually securing a narrow 1-0 victory courtesy of Endrick's goal just before the final whistle. This win now places them at the forefront of the Copa del Rey tournament, yet it carries with it the weight of unresolved sentiments both on and off the field.
The incident at Anoeta serves as yet another example of how sportsmanship is tested against the backdrop of personal issues affecting players, complicate public perceptions, and spark dialogues about discrimination and the responsibilities of fans. This moment invites reflection on how sports communities can cultivate environments where sport integrity and respect for all individuals precede rivalry.