Insults Directed at a Reporter Midway Through the Game: What Happened

In Spain, there’s been a lot of discussion about an incident of “rebellion” that occurred during halftime of the La Liga match between Valencia and Real Madrid, part of the 12th matchday of Spain’s top league.

Trailing by two goals at the end of the first half, Valencia fullback Pablo Maffeo appeared before DAZN’s microphones for the halftime interview and lashed out at the reporter, who had asked him for his thoughts on the Levantine team’s difficult first half.

“I don’t feel like doing this interview; it’s b… and it’s pointless. They’re calling fouls that don’t exist. The one on the first goal wasn’t a foul, and the referee is impartial. This interview is pointless—we’re in the middle of a game,” said a furious Maffeo. The player then apologized and answered the reporter’s questions.

Halftime interviews have often been criticized by insiders and fans, but in Spain, as in Italy, there are clear rules regarding soccer’s audiovisual rights that make these quick halftime questions mandatory: clubs that violate them risk a fine.

Mourinho’s Blancos ultimately prevailed 3-0 thanks to goals from Valverde, Arda Güler, and Kylian Mbappé.