Marc Cucurella faces backlash after controversial red card in Croatia

Spanish defender Marc Cucurella faced intense criticism and boos from the Croatian crowd during a Nations League match in Split, following a controversial incident involving Ivan Perisic. In the 79th minute, with the score tied at 1–1, Perisic received a second yellow card and was sent off after contact with Cucurella during a running duel. While Cucurella maintained that the contact was clear and justified the red card, Croatian officials and players accused him of lack of fair play and provocation.

Croatia's captain Luka Modric expressed frustration, suggesting that the VAR review failed to prevent the dismissal and noting that the team would likely not have lost if they had remained at eleven men. Croatian manager Slaven Bilic offered a mixed response, describing Cucurella as a “great player” whom he admires, but adding that his defensive style is inherently provocative.

This incident follows a pattern of hostility toward the Real Madrid defender from opposing fans, notably in Germany following the Euro 2024 quarterfinals. Despite the tension, Cucurella defended his actions, stating that the contact occurred and the referee's decision was correct.