The worldwide spread of the coronavirus has caused football matches across Europe to be played behind closed doors.
With the lack of fans in the stands, some players are confused about how to act when entering the stadium and after the pre-match ceremony.
We recently saw Juventus FC superstar Cristiano Ronaldo go with the “air handshake” as he walked into the Allianz Stadium as if greeting the fans who should be there. Ronaldo smiled at the end as if to acknowledge that he was joking, but the same can’t be said for Neymar Jr.
After the UEFA Champions League anthem, the Brazil international raised his hands over his head and applauded the supporters…who weren’t in the stadium.
Perhaps Neymar was thanking the hundreds of Ultras outside the stadium who were watching the game on television. The fans did provide an electric atmosphere when the team bus arrived prior to kickoff by setting off flares and singing loudly. Still, considering Neymar’s rocky relationship with the fans, it’s a bit odd that he would applaud them inside an empty stadium.
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