Casillas defends Pique after abuse from Spain fans

Gerard Pique: A target for Spain's boo boys

Iker Casillas has urged Spain fans to “redirect the feelings” they have for Gerard Pique after he was booed against Slovakia on Saturday.

Spain recorded a 2-0 victory in Oviedo to join Slovakia on 18 points in Group C of their European Championship qualifying campaign and leapfrog them on goal difference at the top of the table.

However, the win was tarnished by the boos and whistles that greeted the Barcelona centre-back during the game due to his pro-Catalan stance.

“Let’s see if together we can redirect the feelings of the fans towards Pique,” the 34-year-old goalkeeper told reporters after the match. “We want fans to continue clapping for everyone.”

Casillas got the nod in goal ahead of Manchester United’s David de Gea, and also underlined the importance of the result against an unlikely rival in their group.

“It was a very important victory,” he added. “It was a real relief to win, we wanted it badly and worked for it.

“Slovakia played very well and created plenty of chances, just like they did before. We won and we played superbly.”