Gerard Pique unapologetic over spat with Real Madrid

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has refused to apologise for igniting a Twitter row with Real Madrid rivals Alvaro Arbeloa and Sergio Ramos.

Pique incurred the wrath of his Spain team-mates by calling Arbeloa "an acquaintance," and making an apparent dig at the full-back's mobility. 

Pique was immediately quizzed about the spat by Spanish journalists on the eve of Barca's Club World Cup semi-final against China's Guangzhou Evergrande in Japan. 

"That's not a question about sport," he said with a sheepish grin.  "Look, I said (Arbeloa) wasn't a friend. Make of it what you want. I don't have anything to add."

A war of words erupted after Pique recently posted a tweet appearing to mock Real's recent expulsion from the Copa del Rey for fielding ineligible player Denis Cheryshev, prompting Arbeloa to accuse him of being obsessed with Real.

When Pique responded in kind, Ramos waded in by calling on him to show respect, but Pique opted not to inflame the situation ahead of Thursday's clash in Yokohama.

"There has been a lot of fuss about my tweets but feel free to interpret how you want," added Pique.

"The role of Sergio Ramos is normal for a captain. He is the Real Madrid captain and a great captain. He came out to defend his teammate and I honestly admire him for that."

La Liga Football