Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo drew criticism in the changing room by partying for his 30th birthday hours after a 4-0 defeat by rivals Atletico, AFP reported on Monday.
Leading sports daily Marca called the Portuguese striker’s birthday bash after Real’s Madrid derby defeat in the league on Saturday “The Party of Discord.”
“Pictures of the celebration did not go down well with Real Madrid’s captains” Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, Marca wrote on Monday.
Ronaldo hosted teammates including second-choice goalkeeper Keylor Navas, defender Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Luka Modric, Sami Khedira and James Rodriguez, who recently had foot surgery, newspapers reported.
Participants including Colombian singer Kevin Roldan, who was invited to entertain guests at the party, posted photographs on social networks of Ronaldo and various grinning teammates.
“The online social networks were on fire with fierce criticism from fans,” reported Madrid sports newspaper AS.
Disgruntled Twitter users even generated a special hashtag, #lafiestadeladeshonra, or “party of disgrace”.
“It was a trending topic all day from 12:00 pm,” AS said.
Cristiano’s agent Jorge Mendes told Cadena SER radio station on Sunday he himself was “very annoyed” by the photographs.
