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Pique: Gomes hecklers 'better off staying at home'

Reuters / Russell Cheyne

Gerard Pique has slammed the Barcelona fans who boo and whistle Andre Gomes as the Portuguese strives to improve on a difficult first season in Catalonia.

The former Valencia man was subject to plenty of criticism in the wake of Paris Saint-Germain's comprehensive 4-0 win over the Blaugrana in their Champions League Round of 16 first leg, and was then heckled in the next match against Leganes when he was substituted.

He was again given the same treatment by the home support when he was introduced against his old club on Sunday after 75 minutes, but did his best to silence the doubters when he converted a late effort following superb work down the left by Neymar. Gomes' goal helped cap off a well-fought 4-2 victory.

Related - Watch: Neymar struts 70 yards, tees up Andre Gomes to cap Barca win

"I'm in total disagreement with the people who boo players, they'd be better off staying at home," Pique told Reuters after the game on Sunday.

"It's intolerable and I think treating any player like that before they come on the pitch doesn't help anyone. People need to take a good look at themselves.

"It's one thing if someone plays badly and then the people whistle to show their discontent but quite another to whistle before they come on because it kills their confidence."

In addition to some disjointed team performances, manager Luis Enrique, who's set to depart this summer, has faced disapproval due to his continued trust in €35-million Gomes. Ivan Rakitic has won his place back in the starting XI ahead of the summer buy lately, but Enrique was delighted to see Gomes, 23, grab his first Barca goal at the weekend.

"I'm so pleased he scored, it was the happiest moment of the game," said Enrique.

"I already know how good he is, he's huge, he's strong and has great talent. He's going to be a very important player to Barcelona's future."

Barcelona reconvenes after the international break to prepare for a trip to Granada on April 2.

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