The Nation, Nationalities, Autonomous Regions or Catalan Independence for many Spaniards remain more sensitive issues, than you may think. The controversy over recent referendum in Catalonia immediately initiated lots of political debates. It didn't take long time, until they were extended and started affecting spanish celebrities or athletes. Some of them got involved on their own will, others - like current MotoGP World Champion - completely unintentionally.
It all started on Thursday, 9th of November, during press conference ahead of Valencia Grand Prix. Marc Marquez was asked, in reference to the situation in Spain, which flag he'd use if he clinched 6th world title on Sunday. I can see it either as a clear act of provocation or a weak attempt to involve sportsman in political dispute, to make Marquez declare if he considers himself as a Spaniard or Catalan.
Reactions to this question were priceless: knowing glances between Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa, Dani looking at the floor, trying his best not to smile, ironic giggle from Marquez. Eventually, Repsol Honda rider managed the situation perfectly. "The flag that represents my people [family, team, fans] is the one with number 93"- was his answer. Discussion seemed to be over.
Reactions to this question were priceless: knowing glances between Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa, Dani looking at the floor, trying his best not to smile, ironic giggle from Marquez. Eventually, Repsol Honda rider managed the situation perfectly. "The flag that represents my people [family, team, fans] is the one with number 93"- was his answer. Discussion seemed to be over.
But not for long. Last week newly-crowned champion received Marca Legend Award and during the special event once again had to explain himself and the whole flag issue.
"I explained it in Valencia and have no problem with exlaining it once again" - Marquez told spanish Marca. "For last 3 years I've been celebrating my titles using the flag with symbol, with which we indentify all over the world. I'm going to Malaysia and have some fans [there] who identify with 93. The same in America, Italy or Spain. We all identify with the 93. Then, when we get to the podium, there is a Spanish flag and Spanish anthem".
Afterwards, Honda rider referred to the past dispute started after his move to Andorra, about paying or not paying taxes. It's leading to another one: who has the right to be called 'Spaniard' - the one who waves the flag or the one who pays? "The others [riders] who take the [Spanish] flag but don't pay taxes here, aren't criticized. It makes me angry because I do it" - Marquez pointed out. No names were mentioned, but he could mean Lorenzo or Pedrosa, both living in Switzerland for years, or Espargaró brothers who live in Andorra too, but as they aren't actually on the top in MotoGP, they also aren't involved in the latest political controversies. Whereas Marquez seems to attractc them like a magnet.
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| Lorenzo celebrating his 5th title with spanish flag. Valencia 2015 |
"I am Catalan, because I love my land and I
live in Cervera, and I am also Spaniard" - he emphasized referring to his paternity. "I made that decision [about moving to Andorra] and I am criticized to the fullest,
but the one who takes out the flag and doesn't pay taxes here, is
not criticized".
Finally, as nowadays supporting riders became more transnational than it was a few years ago, using fanclub flag has even more sense. "There are people from Spain who support foreign riders, and people from Italy or France who support spanish riders. Riders represents them all with their numbers, with logo. We identify with our fans using it" - Marquez explained.
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