Shock moment world champion cyclist Mathieu van der Poel SPITS at fans after having ‘URINE’ thrown over him
CYCLING world champion Mathieu van der Poel spat at a group of spectators who are accused of throwing urine over the rider.
Van der Poel was competing in a Cyclo-cross World Cup race in his native Netherlands, which he won ahead of compatriot Joris Nieuwenhuis - his seventh consecutive victory.
But the race was marred by ugly scenes as the road race world champion spat at fans watching on from the sidelines.
Van der Poel faced criticism on social media before some leapt to his defence, claiming the cyclist was booed throughout the event by the group of spectators.
Riders completed eight laps of the circuit at Hulst and Van der Poel, who was allegedly abused by a group of rival Belgian fans, spat at a group during his final loop.
Fans leapt to his defence with one saying: “No, those Belgian ‘fans’ were throwing urine and beer at him. I stood next to them.”
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Another added: “They should be banned from all races for life.”
And a third wrote: “I hope these people are found and punished. It’s always easy to say Mathieu should not have done this but until you are in the same place you feel helpless because every cross there is another group and they always get what they want 🤬”
Van der Poel slammed the fans responsible after the race, stating there is no room in cycling for booing.
He said: “I'm done with that bunch of booers too. It was continuous, even during the warm-up process. Then it is better to stay at home.
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“I'm done with all the booing. Just ask them what they shouted. I am not going to repeat that.
“This has no place in sports. No one should receive boos. After a while it was enough, also for me.”