Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has come to the defense of Iker Casillas when he was asked his opinion regarding Real Madrid supporters whistling and jeering their legendary team captain.
Last weekend, Casillas was whistled loudly after conceding two goals against Valencia off crosses – which most goalkeepers would have had a hard time stopping. Each time the 32-year-old touch the ball, he was roundly jeered by his own supporters.
Right after the reaction from the fans, Casillas was visibly annoyed and shouted back at the whistling supporters. It was the first time in his 23-year career at the club – 18 with the senior squad – that the Spain international reacted angrily towards his own fans.
Many feel that Casillas is being made a scapegoat for Real Madrid’s disappointing end to the season.
Gianluigi Buffon believes the veteran player deserves more respect from club’s supporters after giving so much to them over the course of his career in Madrid.
“There are certain iconic figures that don’t deserve this attitude,” Buffon said during his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu.
“It is an unpleasant and outrageous thing for a professional like him, who has always given his all.
“For twenty years he has given so much for the Real Madrid shirt. Regardless of whether things are going well or not, there are icons that don’t deserve this kind of treatment.”
Programming note: Real Madrid vs. Juventus will be shown LIVE on Wednesday at 2:45pm EST on FOX Sports 1 and FoxSoccer2Go.
