Shortly before the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, Robert Smith (67) publicly gave FIFA a piece of his mind. The Cure singer published on the band's official Instagram channel two posts in which he tears apart the first-ever halftime show at a final match.
'Bread and circuses' instead of resistance
Smith quoted the show's announcement in his first post and added his own comment underneath. FIFA President Gianni Infantino (56), whom he renamed 'Infantosser,' had called the whole thing a groundbreaking spectacle celebrating soccer, music and shared values. Smith's response consisted of a prolonged scream and three hashtags: 'AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH... #Breadandcircuses #MUGWANK #pleasejustgetouttahere'.
'#Breadandcircuses' is a phrase by Roman satirist Juvenal (around 60-120 AD). He used it to criticize the political apathy of the Roman population, who allowed themselves to be pacified by the rulers through free grain deliveries and spectacular mass entertainment.
'#MUGWANK' is according to 'Rolling Stone' a 'typically British crude coinage,' where 'Mug' refers to a 'gullible fool' and 'wanker' to an 'insufferable, smug or contemptible person'.
'#pleasejustgetouttahere' can be translated as 'Just get out of here'.
The stars aren't the target
A few hours later, the 67-year-old followed up because fans had read his criticism as an attack on the artists. In capital letters, he clarified that it wasn't about who was curating or performing, but about the idea of a halftime show at a World Cup final itself. Those who now better understood his 'AAAAAAAAGH' but still disagreed should adjust their red caps, their 'I love Janny + Donny + $$$' t-shirts and go wild, Smith wrote.
The planned appearance by U.S. President Donald Trump (80) at Sunday's trophy presentation also didn't escape him. Infantino had announced he would present the trophy together with 'Trumpton.' Unfortunately, he had run out of 'A's for the appropriate scream, the musician commented.
The program was put together by Chris Martin of Coldplay. Performers are expected to include Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and K-pop group BTS. Halftime in soccer usually lasts 15 minutes, but TV networks are expecting around 30 minutes for the final according to 'People'. The 'BBC' reported around 20 to 25 minutes. However, there's apparently also the option to first have the usual 15-minute halftime break and then stage the planned eleven-minute show.
There's a concrete purpose behind the halftime show appearance. The show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to provide children worldwide with access to education and soccer. Additionally, one dollar from every World Cup ticket sold goes into the fund.
A fan with team loyalty
Robert Smith is no soccer bystander. The musician has been known for decades as a devoted supporter of London club Queens Park Rangers and regularly commented on the sport. His outburst also fell during a week when England's World Cup title ambitions ended with a 1-2 loss to Argentina. Today, Saturday, the team under coach Thomas Tuchel (52) plays France for third place.
The final takes place on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford in the U.S. state of New Jersey, kickoff is at 3 p.m. local time (9 p.m. CEST). The Cure are meanwhile on a festival tour through Europe, their next performance is also scheduled for Sunday at Electric Castle in Bonțida near Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
