Athletic Club striker Inaki Williams deplored the organization of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabiasaying the playing field is not level. The Basque side lost 2-0 to Barcelona on Wednesday night, and Williams made his feelings known afterward.
In both semi-finals, Jeddah saw largely one-sided crowds turn in favor of Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Mallorca and Athletic reduced to a few hundred traveling supporters.
“Even though there were a lot of fans here, it was like playing away. It’s a shame, because such an attractive match like this, if played closer to home, would have attracted many of our fans.
“It’s a shame that we have to play hundreds of kilometers from our fans and families. For me, it makes no sense to go and play in Saudi, but hey, football is like that now. It’s a shame.
😡Iñaki Williams, very critical of the Saudi Arabia Super Cup: “Ha sido como jugar fuera de casa”
👉Sobre su fuera de juego: “Me extraña que se anulen ese type de jugadas. No me parece justo”
👉Sobre la cautelar del CSD: “Because the norms are not the same for all” pic.twitter.com/NS8pxI1bSR
– Télédeporte (@teledeporte) January 8, 2025
He also spoke on the granting of the CSD Barcelona an injunction for Dani Olmo and Pau Victor to be registered temporarily, after their licenses were revoked at the January deadline.
“Like all football fans, I was surprised. It seems that the rules are not the same for all of us. We are not the ones who should decide, and those who do will have their reasons. But we are still very surprised.
“The image of Spanish football is tarnished because it has caused a lot of divisions. I’m happy for Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. It’s a very difficult situation for them, all they want to do is play football, so in that sense, as a professional footballer, I’m happy for them.
Although Barcelona are keen on Rafael Leão, his signing is not unanimous within the club’s sporting department as there are questions about whether he is the right fit, particularly due to his limited defensive work rate. However, President Laporta is a keen admirer, so… pic.twitter.com/dDXlwX8g4U
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 10, 2025
Adding to Williams’ complaints are Mallorca’s frustrations, after being egged on, taunted and harassed as they left the stadium. Family members of Mallorca players were touched without their consent by local Real Madrid fans, and the Bermellon support did not benefit from security between the stadium and their transport.
