Welsh forward Gareth Bale has endured a mixed spell in the Spanish capital, finding trophies, injuries and criticism in equal measure. Yet the player's agent is no doubt that the blame lies with the Real Madrid fans.
Bale was taken off shortly after the hour-mark last Saturday against Barcelona and jeered by the home fans. As far as Jonathan Barnett is concerned, those supporters should be "ashamed." Speaking to Sky Sports, Barnett launched a passionate defence of the 29-year-old.
This generation of Real fans will be talking about Gareth's goals for years to come. Frankly, they should be ashamed of themselves.
Gareth deserves the greatest of respect. The way the Real fans have treated Gareth is nothing short of a disgrace.
The football agent pointed to his trophy haul as just evidence of a successful tenure: "In the six years he has been in Spain, he has won everything. He's one of the best players in the world. Those fans should be kissing his feet."
Recent reports have claimed that Bale is unhappy and refusing to socialise with his team-mates, but Barnett was certain the Welshman would not leave the La Liga side this summer and is perfectly content.
Real Madrid's El Clásico loss leaves them 12 points behind Barcelona and five adrift of Atletico Madrid but Gareth Bale can still hold out for European glory in the Champions League.
