Gareth Bale Questions the 'Sense' of Real Madrid Boo Boys & Discusses Infamous Flag Incident
By Robbie Walls
Wales superstar Gareth Bale has hit back at the senseless Real Madrid fans, as his turbulent relationship with club continues.
Bale and Madrid have enjoyed a love-hate relationship since 2013, except with not much love but many Champions League trophies.
Despite impressive spells at the club since arriving in 2014 (notably scoring in two Champions League finals and the Copa del Rey final), the Welshman has been hampered by injuries throughout his time in Spain.
Although his stats and trophy haul speak for themselves, his injury record and apparent lack of integration into Spanish society has brought with it unending criticism from sections of the Madrid faithful and media.
In a recent interview on the Hat-Trick podcast, the former Spurs superstar vented his frustration at the actions of the clubs' fans, explaining: "It's [the fan backlash] one of those things. I didn't know too much about it coming to Madrid, It's one of those things that you don't expect.
"You don't expect your own supporters to do that to their own player.
"I get it if its aimed at the team if you're not playing well or at half-time you're down by a couple. But to boo your own player, or whistle your own player like they do it's just wrong.
"You're going to play worse, which is going to make them more angry. They are hurting themselves in a way. To me, it makes no sense.'
"It baffles me to this day. I just don't understand, it doesn't make any sense to me".
Bale's often perceived preference for his country over his club has caused further issue at the Bernabeu, particularly after he was pictured with the infamous 'Wales. Golf. Madrid.' banner after Wales qualified for the European Championships last year.
I couldn't NOT speak to @BuzzBoncath and @mrflag about the 'Wales. Golf. Madrid.' flag, could I?
— Chris Deeley (@ThatChris1209) November 20, 2019
Owner and maker, together in perfect harmony. And a little message to Zizou...https://t.co/oXtHCGlJTr
In reference to the incident, Bale said: "I'd seen the banner a few weeks before, the boys had shown me and they said 'if we do qualify, let's try and find it and bring it out.' I was like 'do what you want but I won't be going over to get it.
"They brought it down, we were all celebrating as a team and I'm not going to not jump around with my teammates. It was a bit of banter. A bit of fun. People can see it how they like."