Bartra defends Pique after Spain jeers
After Gerard Pique was afforded a frosty reception following jibes at Cristiano Ronaldo, Marc Bartra leapt to his defence.
Marc Bartra says Spain and Barcelona team-mate Gerard Pique did not deserve the jeering he received from sections of the crowd during Thursday's 2-1 win over Costa Rica following a dig at Cristiano Ronaldo.
After last week's UEFA Champions League victory over Juventus secured Pique and Barcelona the treble, the Spanish defender made reference to a party held by Real Madrid forward Ronaldo in the aftermath of Real's 4-0 defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid.
Colombian singer Kevin Roldan performed at the party and shared images of the bash on social media.
The event prompted a furore around the Portugal star and the club at large, with Pique stating after Barca's win in Berlin: "Kevin Roldan... it all started with you."
However, the comments do not appear to have gone down well with Spain fans, who gave Pique a frosty reception during Friday's friendly win in Leon.
"He doesn't deserve that," Barca colleague Bartra told reporters.
"In footballing terms he has always gone to the ends of the earth for Barcelona and the national side. It makes me sad because he's a good guy.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"Maybe he lost his head a bit but in the end people have to remember everything he has given."
‘Maybe I’ll be signed by Wrexham, who knows? English football would suit me – if an offer came, I wouldn’t think twice, I’d go immediately’ Euro 2024 cult hero reveals his UK dream
‘Managing Leeds? It was an option that appeared, but it wasn’t the right timing. I decided it wasn’t a good idea to leave the club I was at mid-season’: Premier League boss admits to turning down opportunity to replace Jesse Marsch in 2023