Bale scored two goals for Wales to help them beat Austria
Gareth Bale insisted that he wasn’t sending a message to Spanish journalists following his celebrations in Wales’ 2-1 win against Austria on Thursday.
Bale scored both goals, including a sensational first-half free-kick, as they were able to beat Austria and set up a World Cup play-off final against either Ukraine or Scotland in June.
Form is temporary, class is permanent🔥
WHAT A STRIKE 😍 pic.twitter.com/9SMq4ZTzUL
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 24, 2022
In the run-up to the game, Bale had been the subject of some heavy criticism from Spanish outlet Marca who called him a “parasite” and accused the 32-year-old of “sucking Real Madrid’s euros” during his time at the club.
Marca's crusade against Gareth Bale continues, this time with a column describing him a parasite…
"His nature led him to suck blood without giving anything in return. Well, more than blood, he sucked, and sucks, the club's euros." 😳https://t.co/r6CiH2tAwa
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 24, 2022
The winger has become accustomed to the constant abuse he has received from fans of Madrid and journalists in Spain but his response was in true Bale fashion as he turned up when his country needed him most in Cardiff.
Bale’s thoughts on the comments
During the celebrations for his first goal he appeared to shout “suck it,” which some believe was in reference to the article that had been published earlier in the day.
However when asked at full-time if he was sending a message to the journalists in question, Bale played down the ‘message’ and said that he tries to ignore the comments.
“No. I don’t need to send a message,” the Wales captain said.
“Honestly. It’s a waste of my time, it’s just disgusting. They should also be ashamed of themselves.”
Wales will now prepare for their friendly against the Czech Republic in a friendly on Tuesday before turning their focus to the all-important World Cup play-off final in June.
Related links:
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- Gareth Bale labelled ‘Welsh parasite’ by Spanish newspaper
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