- De Bruyne not scared of controversy
- Would blank Belgium fans again
- Supporter behaviour “unacceptable”
WHAT HAPPENED?
De Bruyne hasn’t shied away from controversy in a bid to protect the squad from “unacceptable” behaviour he witnessed in the stands after Belgium faced Ukraine in their final Euro 2024 group fixture last week. Despite concerns that feuding with fans could taint his Belgium legacy, he would still tell his team to walk away were the same thing to happen in future games.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Belgium fans were left underwhelmed by the team’s group stage performances, which only yielded four points and second place and forced them into a tough last 16 tie against France. They let their feelings be heard with loud boos and even some middle finger gestures after the Ukraine game, leading captain De Bruyne to call the players away from acknowledging and applauding the fans instead of standing there taking the abuse.
WHAT DE BRUYNE SAID
De Bruyne said: “No [it’s not personal]. I was simply surprised. The atmosphere beforehand [against Ukraine] was good. Apparently there were boos at a corner, but I didn’t hear them at that moment. I only realised that something was wrong when Jan [Vertonghen]. I wanted to greet the supporters. Look, I can only guarantee that we want to win every time. That’s our job, we will always try. That’s the minimum, but at the same time also the maximum. You can’t ask for more.”
He added: “Yes, [I’d do it again]. That’s my honest opinion. I’ve seen things that I can’t agree with. So I’ve reacted. Some people might think I was wrong. Other people might agree with me. That’s okay. You can’t do right by everyone. I’ve thought about the group.
“I have no problem with criticism. We can deal with that. It could also be better. But those [middle finger] gestures were not acceptable. If I do that on the street, it is not appreciated either.”
WHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE?
With Euro 2024 perhaps the 33-year-old’s last chance for international success, his club career has also come under the spotlight as he now enters the final season of his Manchester City contract. De Bruyne appears committed to City for the time being, but admitted that “silly” money might tempt him in the future to help financially set up his family for life.
