Tuesday, 4th February, 2014
Gerard Pique has defended his former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo following his sending-off, even if a ban would bode really well for Barcelona.
Ronaldo saw red for confrontational behaviour towards Athletic Bilbao's Carlos Gurpegi during their league clash on Sunday.
mobile ad
The Portuguese faces a potential three-match ban, though Real Madrid are understood to be considering an appeal.
With Real Madrid and Barcelona tied on points behind Atletico Madrid, support for Ronaldo from a direct rival is surprising, though in this case, it is from his former Manchester United teammate Pique.
relatedNewsStory
The Barcelona defender was quoted by AS as saying: "I know Cristiano. He puts his hands up there, but it's nothing fancy. It's not an act of aggression.
"[From] the images on television… it's doubtful. We'll see what the committee decides.
"I always speak well of Cristiano because I like him. People form their opinions by gestures and comments without knowing. To me, he is a guy that helped me a lot when I arrived at [Manchester] United."
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
