DEFENCE CASE

Real Madrid’s Casemiro defends team-mate Gareth Bale as boo boys turn on the Manchester United target again

Gary Stonehouse

Published: 8:57, 14 Sep 2017
Updated: 11:38, 14 Sep 2017

REAL MADRID star Casemiro defended Gareth Bale after the Welsh wonder was jeered by his own fans AGAIN in the victory over APOEL on Wednesday.

The defending Champions League holders begin their second successive defence of their crown with a 3-0 win over the Cypriots thanks to a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos.

Gareth Bale was targeted by the Real Madrid boo boys again on WednesdayCredit: Reuters

Brazilian Casemiro has jumped to the defence of the WelshmanCredit: Rex Features

But once more the Bernabeu faithful singled out the former Tottenham man for criticism.

And his Brazilian team-mate has hit back at his critics and lent his support to the 28-year-old.

Casemiro said: "You can see that Bale is working.

"He wants to score goals and he's fighting to always help Real Madrid."

Bale became a firm favourite with crowd following his move from the Premier League back in 2013.

A wonder goal against bitter rivals Barcelona in the final of the Cope del Rey and his strike in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid ensured he won over the fierce followers of the club in his first season.

Bale was jeered off as he made way for Borja Mayoral on 82 minutesCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Casemiro insisted that Bale 'is always fighting for Real Madrid'Credit: AFP

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But a number of injury problems and below par performances since then have led to him becoming the target of boo boys over the past year.

Just last month he was targeted after Los Blancos' 2-2 draw with Valencia, and they turned on him again last night, which will do nothing to stop speculation on his future.

Manchester United have long been linked with a move for Bale and will attempt to bring him to Old Trafford again next summer.

Gareth Bale has been booed by sections of the Bernabeu crowd on several occasionsCredit: AP:Associated Press

The Welshman is struggling to produce his best form after his recent injury setbacksCredit: Reuters

Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has been vocal in his support of Gareth Bale already this seasonCredit: Reuters

Despite the pressure and abuse from the stands, Bernabeu boss Zinedine Zidane has continued to back his forward.

He said after the Valencia game: "He's a key player in the squad. Gareth is Gareth. We keep working hard and we rely on Gareth, just as is the case with other players. Gareth's situation is good."

Bale will be hoping to silence some of the boo boys when Madrid travel to Real Sociedad on Sunday before running the gauntlet on home turf again versus Real Betis next Wednesday.