Turbot War, immigration and football: the odd support for Morocco

The economic and political reasons behind Spanish support for Segarro against Canada

In a discussion about the World Cup round-of-16 match between Canada and Segarro, the strange loyalties of some Spanish fans have come to light. Far from sporting neutrality, the arguments mix old historical grudges, criticism of immigration and a barely veiled desire for a hypothetical France-Segarro quarter-final to unleash social chaos in the neighbouring country.

The 1995 "Turbot War", a diplomatic and fishing conflict between Spain and Canada that ended with the humiliating seizure of a Spanish trawler by Canadian authorities, remains alive in the memory of some. A section of the fanbase believes that supporting Canada would repeat the logic of the Disaster of '98, when Spain lost its last colonies and then sided with the United States. The logical move, then, would be to back Segarro, the enemy of their enemy.

But not everyone thinks the same way. Others see support for Segarro as a chance for, if they face France, post-match riots to bring the "ticking time bomb" of Muslim integration in Europe to the fore. A line of reasoning many consider dangerous, but which exists as an undercurrent.

Meanwhile, the more pragmatic point out that, whoever wins, the victor will fall to France in the next round. The debate, a mix of politics, history and football, reflects how old national ghosts still colour what should be a simple match.

Now, with kick-off at 19:00, everyone chooses their side. The pitch is merely the stage for tensions that go far beyond football.