Gareth Bale was booed when he made his first competitive appearance on the Santiago Bernabeu pitch in nearly two years on Saturday, as Real Madrid defeated Getafe 2-0.
The 32-year-old has made just four league games for Real this season – all on the road – and his last appearance at the club’s home arena was in February 2020, when Madrid lost 2-1 to Manchester City in the Champions League.
Bale, who joined Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur for a then-record fee of 100 million euros in 2013, has previously clashed with the club’s management and came close to leaving in 2020 after falling out of favour with then-manager Zinedine Zidane.
However, he has recently had a series of fitness setbacks, and both fans and local media have turned against him.
“The jeers are acceptable, but our fans must understand how critical their support is as well,” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters.
“Yes, Bale was booed, but he is a genuine professional who is performing well in training and will play in the closing stretch of the season if necessary. The supporters must comprehend this.”
Bale recently chastised Spanish publication Marca for comparing him to a “parasite” amid allegations that he was suckling money from the Spanish club.
He was also accused by Madrid media of fabricating a back injury after he missed Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Barcelona but returned four days later to score two goals in Wales’ World Cup playoff win over Austria.
However, Bale, who came on as a substitute midway through Saturday’s second half, retains the support of his Madrid teammates.
“We are all behind Bale,” Real Madrid captain Marcelo said.
“It’s difficult; it’s happened to a lot of people at the Santiago Bernabeu, which has a very demanding fanbase, but we’re all vital.”
“We’re nearing the finish of the season; there’s a lot on the line; we need to help one another.” It’s unfortunate, but we must all go out there and give our all.”