A French show. After San Antonio’s victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder last night (130-110), Victor Wembanyama transformed into a room driver for a few minutes. Microphone in hand, the 21-year-old French basketball player invited the 19,000 spectators at the Frost Bank Center to follow the fashion, very widespread in Europe, of clapping.
“Thank you for your support, it’s good to be back home, in front of all these incredible fans,” he first rejoiced. Now, with my teammates, I would like to introduce you to a new tradition that we have set up with the Jackals (a group of club ultras). So, please, everyone: raise your arms in the air, spread your arms wide, and do like the Jackals. »
Clapping, a well-known fashion in Europe
Victor Wembanyama then became leader, setting the rhythm on the drum among his teammates while the clapping resonated blow after blow in the Spurs enclosure, to the delight of the fans. “A victorious night in San Antonio!” Wemby and the Spurs have joined forces with the Jackals to create a new winning tradition,” commented the official NBA social media account.
Clapping, which literally means “clapping”, is a fashion arising from culture ultra European. Born in the early 2000s, in Greece or Turkey according to different claims, this celebration, although observed in a few Ligue 1 stadiums previously, was truly popularized by Iceland during Euro 2016.
Coming in large numbers to France, Icelandic supporters made their clapping sound throughout the country during the competition, and had largely participated in spreading this practice in Europe. The Blues were also quick to repeat it with the public at the Stade de France.
