What is it with South American soccer teams and the press this month? After Argentina’s continued press boycott made the rounds last week, it’s Colombia’s turn to get some attention. Following the team’s last-gasp 1-0 win over bottom-feeders Bolivia on Thursday, captain and scorer of the game-winner James Rodriguez was photographed throwing up the middle finger, allegedly at press gathered below the Colombian Football Federation office building.
While it’s not confirmed that James was indeed aiming his finger at the press, the AFP photographer that took the photo, Luis Acosta, asserts that he believes the captain was directing the gesture at himself and five other journalists gathered below the window.
This latest incident comes after a few months of press criticism of the national team and James himself, as the cafeteros have stalled in fourth place in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. The talismanic midfielder has come under fire personally due to his lack of performances for his club team, Real Madrid, as fans are anxious for him to move away to a club where he can get regular game time. This season, James has played in TK games for the Spanish giants.
The photo has also sparked a trending topic in Colombia, with fans tweeting out photographs of people flipping the bird with the hashtag #NoJodanAJames in support of the beleaguered midfielder.
https://twitter.com/SaqueAmargoWin/status/846375189239750661