Real Madrid Reportedly Won't Take Legal Action After Gerard Pique's Tax Comments

Real Madrid have reportedly decided against taking legal action over Barcelona defender Gerard Pique's comments, in which he hinted at undue influence enjoyed by the Santiago Bernabeu outfit.

According to AS on Wednesday, the Real legal department have assessed Pique's comments and have decided against taking the issue any further. The report noted that the club said "[we will] do our talking out on the field of play" when El Clasico comes around late next month. 

Marca's Jose Felix Diaz previously reported Real were considering legal action after Pique's allegations.

The former Manchester United man spoke after Spain's 2-0 friendly defeat of France on Tuesday and said Real wielded too much influence and specifically addressed the tax cases surrounding his Barca team-mates Lionel Messi and Neymar, per Joaquin Maroto in AS:

"

I've nothing against Real Madrid players but there are other things about the club that I don't like. It rankles with me to see the individual who is involved with the indictment of Messi and Neymar sitting in the VIP section of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

It's always been like that at Madrid...cases against Messi, Neymar...and nothing for Cristiano [Ronaldo]. Same as always...

"

Per Maroto, the "individual" referred to by Pique is state attorney Marta Silva Lapuerta, a former Real board member and Bernabeu regular.

Pique's centre-back partner for the national team and Real captain, Sergio Ramos, responded to the Barca player's comments by speculating about goings-on at the Camp Nou, per ESPN FC: "In every box seat strings are pulled, but if anything, [Barcelona] should in general have more to be quiet about then we do."

He also aimed a light-hearted jibe Pique's way after Spain played in their white change strip as they beat France in the Paris friendly:

The Real-Barca rivalry is nothing new, and Pique has been complicit in stoking the Clasico fire for much of his Camp Nou career. 

The two Spanish giants are again duking it out for La Liga glory this season, with Real currently heading the table by two points to second-placed Barca and with a game in hand.

April 23's Clasico at the Bernabeu could be crucial in deciding the title this season, and it is likely to be as fraught as ever given the ongoing disharmony between the two clubs.