Rugby pundit Stuart Barnes came under fire on social media after questioning whether Gareth Bale's generous NHS donation was as impressive as it seemed.
After it was revealed that the Real Madrid star had donated £500,000 to the NHS in their fight against COVID-19, former England fly-half and Sky Sports commentator Stuart Barnes took to Twitter with his own views on the matter.
Referring to an article about Bale's generosity, Barnes suggested whether Bale's donation equated to a relatively small amount of his salary.
He tweeted: "That is a great gesture. But what does he earn compared to the average salary in the United Kingdom and how does that translate?"
The tweet certainly garnered a response, with over 100 replies on that tweet alone.
Many criticised him for what they say as a 'snide' comment.
One Twitter user posted: “A little snide… What do you earn compared to the average salary in the UK? Have you donated two weeks’ wages?”
Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies chipped in, saying: "It’s all about the gesture Stuart. Yes he can afford it but didn’t need to do it. Why be negative about a generous gesture."
And former Swansea City striker Lee Trundle was another left unimpressed.
In response to the criticism, Barnes tweeted further explanation of his suggestion that Bale's donation wasn't necessarily newsworthy.
"Because a person who donates 5% of a fortune (not Bale, a hypothetical person) is less noteworthy than someone giving 10% of sweet eff all. And the 10% person merits more headlines but won't get them because of fame (not Bale) and absolutes. Am trying to be rational."
And when another user pointed out that Bale's donation would equate to at least a week's wages from the Welshman, Barnes did admit that his actions were very generous.
"Well, that counts as a very generous donation," he added in a later tweet. "Far better if stated Gareth Bale donates an average week's wage to NHS than a sum which means little...thumbs up thingy for the man."
And following on from Barnes' comments, it was revealed that Bale has donated €500,000 to the Spanish health service, meaning he has donated just shy of £940,000 to health workers over a 24-hour period.
It is understood Bale was eager to show his appreciation to health workers in the city that has been his home for almost seven years.
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