Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Iturraspe has claimed that the Cristiano Ronaldo controversy has been blown out of all proportion.
The Real Madrid forward was sent off in Los Blancos’ 1-1 draw with Los Leones on Sunday, with the Portugal international striking out at Carlos Gurpegi, before going head-to-head with Iturrapse.
But the 24-year-old has insisted that these things happen in football, but has backed his captain.
“These sorts of things happen all the time on the pitch,” he told AS. “But it’s become a talking point because it’s the Ballon d’Or winner.
“Of course it hurts when our captain is criticised. Everyone at the club loves him. I just hope it stops sooner rather than later.
“People who follow football, who know us, know that this is not a talking point. I’m not quite sure what the point of all this is.
“It’s an issue that needs to stop for the good of the fans and for the good of the game.”
