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Bale ‘staying in Madrid’ despite latest fan attack

MADRID — Gareth Bale was confronted by angry Real Madrid fans on Sunday night while his car was attacked in another unsavoury incident for the world’s most expensive footballer.

Bale (left), seen here as Barcelona players celebrate at the end of their win at Camp Nou on Sunday, was unfortunate not to score in the first half. Photo: REUTERS

Bale (left), seen here as Barcelona players celebrate at the end of their win at Camp Nou on Sunday, was unfortunate not to score in the first half. Photo: REUTERS

MADRID — Gareth Bale was confronted by angry Real Madrid fans on Sunday night while his car was attacked in another unsavoury incident for the world’s most expensive footballer.

Bale, the £86 million (S$175 million) signing, returned to Madrid’s Valdebebas training base after the 2-1 defeat by Barcelona and was jeered by supporters before driving off in his white Bentley, which was kicked by an irate fan.

The Wales international’s club team-mates Jese Rodriguez and Sergio Ramos were also reportedly targeted by fans, who had waited to vent their frustration. However, this uncomfortable moment was only the latest for Bale, who has been hounded by fans and media in recent weeks after what was perceived as a poor run of form.

Bale was unfortunate not to score in the first half, but his goal was ruled out because Cristiano Ronaldo was offside. However the knives are out for the Welshman in two leading Spanish newspapers.

AS refused to give Bale a mark out of 10, while Marca claimed “it’s obvious (president Florentino) Perez has paid €100 million (S$150 million) for someone worth €20 million”.

After scoring both goals in the 2-0 win against Levante this month, Bale cupped his ears in what seemed to be a response to his detractors.

However, his agent Jonathan Barnett insisted on Monday that the 25-year-old was perfectly settled in Madrid and was not even contemplating the prospect of leaving. He said: “I spoke to Gareth a few times on Monday and he never even mentioned it (the incident at the Madrid training base). He’s perfectly happy and having a wonderful time there. I’ve never known so much rubbish being written about one person.”

Bale will now escape the cauldron of Madrid as he links up with Wales for their European Championship qualifier with Israel during the weekend. However, former Wales international Iwan Roberts believes Bale should return to the Premier League if he continues to receive criticism from sections of the Madrid support.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City would inevitably be interested in the former Tottenham Hotspur attacker if he is to become available. Roberts claimed Bale could come back if his time in Spain remains plagued by crowd abuse.

“It can’t be nice for him. He is still a young lad and if he is still getting the stick he has been getting over the past four or five months, come to somewhere people appreciate you,” he said. “Come to somewhere the fans realise how hard you work and the quality you bring to a side.

“I think if he keeps getting treated the way he is by some of the supporters and media there, he will want to prove a lot of people wrong. He has a strong mentality and only time will tell, but he doesn’t deserve the treatment he has been getting.

“He had a great first season last year — he scored the second goal in the Champions League final (and) a great goal in the Spanish Cup. Yet, they have not really taken to him and I’m not sure why. I do think he gets harshly treated at the Bernabeu — maybe it will take Gareth moving away (for that to stop).”

Real Madrid’s loss to Barcelona left them four points adrift of their rivals in La Liga. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

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