Barcelona's Gaspart, Closa points finger at Figo for "provocation"

Barcelona president Joan Gaspart stoked the fire of last night's Real Madrid visit by claiming Luis Figo "provoked" the Nou Camp crowd.

While refusing to condone the actions of the missile throwers, Gaspart did insist that Figo's behaviour on the pitch added to the tense atmosphere.

"The supporters have reacted to poor behaviour and provocation," insisted Gaspart.

"I do not want to justify what they did, but I cannot accept the attitude of Figo."

Vice-president Francesc Closa went a step further, saying: "I believe that the attitude of Figo has been provocative."

Figo rejected the accusations last night, "I'm not sad, I am calm. Gaspart has no influence on me. I have more important things to think about than the comments of their president."

"It would be crazy to accept that one shouldn't take corners because it may provoke the crowd."

He added, "The bad thing is that everyone around the world has seen this game and it's left a bad image for Spanish football."