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Carlo Ancelotti snaps at journalist for asking about Bale and Hazard

Carlo Ancelotti - Real Madrid
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Carlo Ancelotti hit out at a reporter for asking why Bale and Hazard didn’t feature for Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti snapped at a reporter who questioned why Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard were unused substitutes during Real Madrid’s Copa Del Ray exit to Athletic Bilbao.

Madrid were knocked out of the competition in the quarter-final on Thursday with Alex Berenguer scoring the only goal of the game.

Despite his side’s struggles, Ancelotti did not bring on either Bale or Hazard. The Los Blancos boss was questioned over his decision, and instead hit out at a journalist who asked if the pair were being punished.

According to Spanish publication AS Sport, Ancelotti responded: “Why are you talking about Bale, Jovic and Hazard.

“Why don’t you talk about [Dani] Ceballos or [Daniel] Carvajal? They also didn’t play, so are they supposed to be punished as well?

“I took my decision, but if you were honest, you would talk about Ceballos who didn’t even play one minute and the others who were on the bench and didn’t play. They are all at the same level.”

Hazard was seen warming up in the second half, but was sent back to the bench by Ancelotti. And Bale couldn’t help but have a small laugh at his teammate’s expense.

Spanish TV network ‘El Chiringuito’ filmed a clip of the incident which has since gone viral on social media.

Bale hasn’t played for Madrid since last August, making just three appearances all season. Both the former Tottenham man and Hazard are expected to leave Madrid this summer.

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