Gareth Bale booed during Real Madrid match for not passing to Ronaldo

The Welshman showed major cajones to deny the Madrid faithful a goal from their talismanic striker

Bale came under fierce criticism from Madrid fans at the Bernabéu on Saturday after he had the temerity to take a shot when clean through on goal instead of squaring the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Welshman endured a chorus of boos from the stands as his strike sailed harmlessly wide of the target. Ronaldo also appeared to be belligerent after not being allowed to finish off what would have been a certain goal. The striker looked visibly displeased with Bale following his wasted opportunity. Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti agreed that selflessness was a vital part of the club's ethos but admitted that he did not criticise Bale for going for glory.

Bale has played a very, very good game. He’s played with intensity and he’s scored. It could be that at that moment the fans have asked for a pass to Cristiano, which hasn’t happened, and like all strikers who are in front of goal he tried to score. Altruism is a very important component of the team this season. If there is any play which seems selfish we’ll clearly fix it. We have fans who demand a lot. Bale is a fundamental player like Cristiano and for that the fans demand much more than of others.

Despite scoring a goal in the 3-0 win over Espanyol, it is difficult to tell at this early stage whether the fans will ever forgive Bale for committing what is considered high treason in the Bernabeu. Hat-tip to The Guardian