Gaspart plays down fans' fury at Figo

BARCELONA president Joan Gaspart tried to defend his own unruly supporters after their 0-0 draw with bitter rivals Real Madrid descended into disgrace as former Barcelona playmaker Luis Figo was pelted with missiles on Saturday night.

“The reaction of the supporters is unjustifiable and wrong but they were provoked. Figo came here and provoked us in our house, and outside of the field of play,” said the ever-controversial Gaspart.

The match had to be suspended midway through the second half when Figo had various objects rain down on him, including a whisky bottle, thrown by the Barcelona faithful while he was trying to take a corner.