Barça defender Marc Bartra lept to the defense of his teammate Gerard Pique after he was given a more than frosty reception by Spain’s fans after Thursday’s 2-1 win over Costa Rica.
Gerard Pique is known as a player that doesn’t mince his words and he has been in trouble in the past with the fans. One example was when he spoke out in support of Catalan independence which didn’t go down too well but this time, it was for taking a swipe at Real Madrid player CR7 during Barça’s treble celebrations.
The defender made comments alluding to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 30th birthday party celebrations after losing to local rivals Atletico Madrid by 4 goals to nil.
Kevin Roldan, a Colombian singer, performed at the event and after shared images of the event on social media, prompting controversy among Real Madrid’s own fans, before the Catalans went on to beat the Merengues to the league title.
As a result, Spain’s fans gave Pique a frosty reception during Thursday’s friendly win in Leon, in the north of Spain.
Spain and Barça defender Bartra told reporters: “He doesn’t deserve that.”
“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.
“Maybe he lost his head a bit but in the end people have to remember everything he has given.”
Cesc Fabregas scored one goal and set up another to clinch victory for Spain over Costa Rica in a match where La Roja came from behind to win.
The team now travels to Belarus for a 2018 European Championship qualifier on Sunday.
Spain, the two-time defending European champion, are placed second in Group C, three points behind leaders Slovakia.
