Marca Slams BBC Sport, Denies Claims of Anti-Gareth Bale Campaign

Spanish publication Marca has slammed the suggestion of BBC Sport writer Andy West that it is deliberately making Gareth Bale a "scapegoat" for Real Madrid's problems.

The newspaper posted an irritated article on Monday morning, responding to the claims of West that "Marca want Bale out." West spoke of Marca's "vicious attack" on the Welshman prior to his brace against Levante, indicating Bale will be pushed out of the club if the publication continues to exert its influence in a negative way toward the player.

"If Marca's problem with Gareth Bale becomes a long-term policy, Gareth Bale will have a big problem at Real Madrid," noted West.

Marca pulled no punches in its response, tweeted by Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC:

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

The article opens by attacking the BBC's standards, saying the organisation has "veered off the course that made it a byword for quality journalism throughout the 20th century."

This is followed by a round-up of recent mishaps—including mention of the ongoing investigation into an alleged cover-up of sexual abuse crimes committed by former BBC employee Jimmy Savile and other workers—before zoning in on West's coverage directly.

Marca says West's accusations are "wholly unfounded and unjust," saying he has "twisted things out of context." It rounded the article off with a jabbing comment toward the BBC's rival organisation: "For the record, Marca does not engage in campaigns; it informs readers. Rigorously. Something that apparently can no longer be said of the BBC who, like ITV, seem now to be all about drama."

West responded on Twitter while also retweeting a message of support:

Sport Witness confirmed a variation of Marca's complaints made it into print before offering its take on the situation:

Sport Witness then suggested Marca is quick to alter its coverage of players depending on form, highlighted after Bale won the match against Levante, having previously failed to score in the nine games before:

Real Madrid Info tweeted the Marca cover in question:

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez was forced to defend Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and boss Carlo Ancelotti last week. He called a special news conference to do so, with West suggesting the "newspaper's major quarrel is with the president—and discrediting Bale is just a handy way of getting at him."

BBC Sport is yet to officially acknowledge Marca's rebuttal.