Gareth Bale fires back at Spanish newspaper following Wales victory

Gareth 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.

Bale criticism before the World Cup play-off.

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. 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 the Cardiff City Stadium. https://twitter.com/FootballJOE/status/1507089555341684739

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:

• Gareth Bale labelled 'Welsh parasite' by Spanish newspaper
• Darren Randolph takes to Instagram following Ireland exclusion
• Roddy Collins criticises 'tactically redundant' Stephen Kenny

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