Scenes of fans giving a standing ovation to a rival player have been quite rare in Spain. Last year, Real Madrid fans applauded Barcelona star Andres Iniesta for his outstanding performance in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu when the visitors won 4-0.
Barely three months later, Barca fans decided to return the favour in the most hilarious and ironic way. This happened when Denis Cheryshev was introduced into the game as a substitute for Valencia in his first game for the Spanish side since leaving Los Blancos on loan. Technically, Cheryshev is still a Real Madrid player until he signs a permanent deal with Los Che.
The ironic standing ovation was mainly because the 25-year-old was the reason why Real Madrid were suspended from the Copa del Rey this season. The Santiago Bernabeu side made the mistake of fielding the Russian winger against Cadiz in December, yet he was ineligible to play by then due to suspension.
BARCELONA FANS GAVE CHERYSHEV A STANDING OVATION AHAHAHAHHAA THIS IS AWESOME
— Niko (@Nikomarvel) February 3, 2016
Hahahaja, Barça fans chanting Cheryshev's name as he enters the pitch....hahaha!!!! Standing ovation!!!! Lolololol
— Anthony Stryk (@THEglenncanyon) February 3, 2016
Cheryshev is getting a standing ovation. Dead.
— Jay. (@The_Pep_Way) February 3, 2016
@R9Rai Barca gave a standing ovation to Cheryshev. Best part of the night
— Ryan Caruana (@DtrampGAMER) February 3, 2016
After a series of investigations, the Spanish Football Federation decided to ban The Whites from the Copa del Rey for breaking the rules of the tournament. Obviously, this gave Barca the much-needed breathing space to defend the title they won last year without facing stiff competition from their bitter rivals.
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