“Sad”: Mexico striker criticizes his own fans after El Tri held by Uruguay

The friendly between Mexico and Uruguay wasn’t just about the action on the pitch - the stands played a starring role too. Mexican fans repeatedly booed goalkeeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by Raúl Jiménez.

Jiménez voices frustration

After the final whistle, the Fulham striker spoke to the media, initially fielding questions about the game itself.

However, Jiménez took the opportunity to address the behavior of the Mexican supporters inside Torreón’s Estadio Corona, calling their attitude toward Rangel and the team “sad”.

Jiménez also highlighted the chants against Mexico’s head coach, Javier ‘Vasco’ Aguirre.

He told Azteca Deportes: “What’s really said is playing at home and getting booed. Hearing chants like ‘Vasco out’ and those insults aimed at the goalkeeper - that’s what leaves you feeling sad.”

Such hostility, Jiménez suggested, may be a factor behind the Mexican Soccer Federation’s regular scheduling of national-team games outside Mexico.

“Maybe that’s why they always take us to play in the United States,” the striker said.

When is Mexico’s next game?

In its second game of the November international window, Mexico flies to the U.S. to face Paraguay next week. Staged at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, the friendly is to be played on Tuesday, November 18, at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

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