Gareth Bale has come to the defence of his Real Madrid team-mate Eden Hazard.
The Welshman has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital, winning four Champions Leagues, two La Ligas and a host of other cup competitions.
However, the 31-year-old has also been criticised heavily at times by the Spanish media and his own fans, not only for his performances but for off-the-field matters, such as his love of playing golf.
And his Real team-mate Hazard has also felt the heat this season.
The Belgium star became Los Blancos’ marquee signing in the summer of 2019 when he joined for an initial fee of around £103.5 million.
But injuries and poor form have plagued his time in the Spanish capital and he has managed just five goals in 42 outings.
And Hazard’s stock with the Real faithful plummeted even further following the club’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of his old side Chelsea.
The 30-year-old was seen laughing and joking with the likes of Kurt Zouma and Edouard Mendy on TV, which led to an angry reaction from many in Spain, with El Chiringuito presenter Josep Pedrerol calling on Madrid to sell Hazard and claiming he was "taking the p***" out of the fans .
But Bale, who is is currently on a season-long loan at Tottenham, believes there was an overreaction from many in Spain.
Referencing the El Chiringuito footage, Bale told The Times Magazine: "I've seen it.
"It was literally as if he'd just murdered everybody. It's a game of football at the end of the day."
Hazard was quick to apologise to Real supporters after the Chelsea game and the furore which followed.
"I am sorry. I have read a lot of opinions about me today and it wasn't my intention to offend Real Madrid fans," Hazard wrote on his Instagram.
"It has always been my dream to play for Real Madrid and I came here to win.
"The season is not over and together we must now battle for La Liga. Hala Madrid!"
And his manager Zinedine Zidane was also keen to move past the situation when he spoke earlier this month, with Los Blancos still hoping to claim the La Liga title on Saturday night.
Zidane said: "Eden has apologised and he did it well. It was not his intention to hurt anyone, that is the most important thing.
"He knows what he has to do on the pitch and he's going to do it. We spoke the other day, after the match. He was apologising for his reaction – to me, to the club, to the players – and that's it."
