Catalonia referendum: Fans abuse Pique in Spain training

Gerard Pique’s perceived stance on Catalan independence saw Spain training abandoned after 23 minutes as unhappy fans made their feelings known about the Barcelona defender.

As 91-times capped Pique trained with the Spanish national squad in Madrid before their final two World Cup qualifiers, against Albania in Alicante on October 6 and away to Israel in Jerusalem on October 9, the World Cup and European Championship winner was greeted with a torrent of abuse by unhappy supporters.

Pique has previously been targeted by some national team fans for his perceived pro-stance on Catalan independence, but “Monday’s barrage of insults was particularly severe,” reported Reuters.

Some aimed barbs towards Pique urging him to quit the national team.

Cups were thrown and banners were held aloft with the words “Pique Out” as the squad were put through their paces.

“If any directors or if the Spanish FA believe that I could be a problem or annoy the national team then I am willing to step aside,” said Pique after Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Las Palmas was played behind closed doors at the Camp Nou.

The Catalans won the match that was played behind closed doors after there were violent clashes following the disputed independence referendum.