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Content creator explains Ecuadorian flag placement on Rocky statue after World Cup loss

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Content creator Beta Mejía placed an Ecuadorian flag on the Rocky statue in Philadelphia before Ecuador's World Cup match.
  • Following Ecuador's loss, fans linked the defeat to a local superstition about the statue, which Mejía claims he was unaware of.
  • Mejía apologized for the controversy and expressed continued support for the Ecuadorian team.

A pre-match gesture by content creator Beta Mejía has ignited controversy after Ecuador's World Cup debut ended in defeat. Mejía, partner of Ecuadorian presenter Alejandra Jaramillo, placed an Ecuadorian flag on the iconic Rocky statue in Philadelphia, the host city for the team's opening match.

I didn't know, honestly I didn't know.

— Beta MejíaMejía explained his ignorance of the local superstition surrounding the Rocky statue.

Ecuador lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast, and many fans immediately recalled a local superstition. This belief suggests that teams whose supporters adorn the Rocky statue with their colors often suffer losses in major sporting events. The incident quickly drew criticism on social media.

A fan excited handed me the flag and told me: 'Put it on Rocky's shoulder.' And I did, to be kind. But I didn't know what they did here in Philly.

— Beta MejíaMejía described the circumstances under which he placed the flag on the statue.

Mejía addressed the backlash in a video, stating he was unaware of the superstition. He explained that an enthusiastic fan handed him the flag and asked him to place it on the statue's shoulder as a friendly gesture. He accepted without anticipating the controversy that would follow.

I believe in God, I believe in the one above.

— Beta MejíaMejía stated his belief in divine intervention over superstition.

Despite the online debate, Mejía affirmed his faith in God rather than superstitions. He also sent a message of support to the Ecuadorian players, including Enner Valencia and Piero Hincapié, expressing optimism for their upcoming matches. The video garnered thousands of reactions, with some fans continuing to joke about the Rocky superstition while others defended Mejía.

Today we win, guys.

— Beta MejíaMejía expressed his optimism for the Ecuadorian team's future performance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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