Kevin De Bruyne stands firm in fan feud over ‘unacceptable’ gestures during Euro 2024

Kevin De Bruyne defended his decision to lead the Belgian team away from fans after witnessing "unacceptable" behavior, including boos and middle finger gestures, following their final Euro 2024 group match against Ukraine.

Chirag

July 1, 2024

Kevin De Bruyne On Controversy With Belgium Fans — Carl Recine/Getty Images

De Bruyne hasn’t avoided controversy in his effort to protect the squad from “unacceptable” behavior he observed in the stands after Belgium’s final Euro 2024 group match against Ukraine last week. Despite concerns that feuding with fans could tarnish his legacy with Belgium, he remains adamant that he would instruct his team to walk away if the same situation arose in future games.

Belgium fans were disappointed by the team’s group stage performances, which yielded only four points and a second-place finish, forcing them into a challenging last 16 match against France. Their frustration was evident with loud boos and even some middle finger gestures after the Ukraine game, prompting captain De Bruyne to lead the players away from acknowledging and applauding the fans, rather than enduring the abuse.

De Bruyne explained, “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.”

With Euro 2024 possibly being the 33-year-old’s last chance for international success, his club career has also come into focus as he enters the final season of his Manchester City contract. De Bruyne appears committed to City for now, but admitted that an offer of “silly” money might tempt him in the future to secure his family’s financial future.