Pique affirms Ramos deserved red card for late tackle

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has never been afraid to stoke the flames of rivalry as it pertains to El Clasico, and added a bit more fuel to that fire after his side's 3-2 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, telling reporters that Sergio Ramos' red card was fully deserved.

Ramos was issued a straight red card in the 77th minute - his 22nd in Real Madrid's white - after making a late two-footed challenge on Lionel Messi, and while he and Pique may share centre-back responsibilities for Spain, there was no love lost between the two at the club level.

"I am sure when he gets home he will realise it was a red card," Pique said after the match, as quoted by ESPN FC. "It was clear: he went in with both feet off the ground, nowhere near the ball. There's no argument. What happens is that (Madrid) is used to having very permissive referees here and when there isn't one, that's how they react."

Pique also offered his reaction to Ramos' gestures as he departed the match, which the Real Madrid defender later affirmed were sent in the Barcelona defender's direction.

"I didn't hear him, I saw that he was pointing at me, I suppose he was referring to the red card," Pique offered, when asked about Ramos' reaction. "When he gets home and sees the replay he will regret (his reaction), because it's a clear dismissal. It's a straight red card."