GERARD PIQUE had to be held back after a furious on-pitch row that involved Luka Modric after El Clasico.
Injured Pique watched from the sideline as Barcelona lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in last night’s derby.
Goals from Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos handed the champions victory at the Bernabeu.
And the result saw Real leapfrog Barca, as well as Atletico, to go top of LaLiga.
However, Pique was far from happy at the final whistle.
He stormed onto the field towards ref Jesus Gil Manzano after being left incredulous when only four minutes of stoppage time were added in the second half.
The game was paused for a lengthy period to fix Manzano’s gear used to communicate with other officials.
And Barca also felt they were denied a clear penalty when Martin Braithwaite was taken down by Ferland Mendy in the Real box.
As Pique marched towards the ref, he crossed paths with Modric, who cheekily quipped: “You’re waiting to crack now, eh?”
Pique was not amused and simply retorted: “Mate, four minutes…”
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But Modric made sure he got the final word in, saying as he strolled off: “How many (more minutes) do you want?”
Pique continued on his way, and at one point was held back by Barcelona delegate Carlos Naval, who he angrily told: “Let me speak, let me speak.”
Pique finally got access to Manzano and proceeded to vent his frustration.
Pique blasted at the ref: “You gave us little extra time, and you’ve been off the field for a long time.”
But with the final whistle already blown, Pique’s appeal fell on deaf ears.
And even manager Ronald Koeman was brushed aside by Manzano when he went over to complain about the penalty decision.
There is now all to play for with just eight games remaining this season.
Barcelona and Atletico still have to face each other in May, with Real set to benefit whatever the result.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
