World Cup
Bale: ‘Everyone knows who the real parasite is’
Gareth Bale once again spoke out against Marca and the media in general with a lengthy message on social media.
THE Gareth Bale once again attacked Marca and the media in general for the treatment he had following the recent article in the Spanish newspaper which, among other things, called him Real’s ‘parasite’.
The Welsh striker has posted on social media, claiming in a lengthy message that the criticism he’s receiving, both of himself and of other athletes, has to do with the fact that he’s not always… superhuman.
The 32-year-old midfielder scored the two goals that sent him home to the 2022 World Cup suspension final but remains outside Real’s plans.
Bale’s message
“The Daily Mail has shed some light on this defamatory, derogatory and speculative journalism by Marca.
At a time when people are taking their own lives because of the cruel and inconsiderate media, I would like to know who will hold these journalists accountable and which media allow them to write such articles?
Luckily, I’ve developed a tough skin during my presence in the spotlight, but that doesn’t mean articles like this don’t do harm and anger personally and professionally those who are the target of such malicious stories.
I have seen the impact the media can have on people’s mental and physical health.
The media expects superhuman performances from professional athletes and will be the first to celebrate with them when they come, but instead of standing by them when they show a bunch of human errors, they devour them and stir up anger and frustration in their fans.
The day-to-day pressures of an athlete are immense and it’s crystal clear how negative media attention can easily push an already stressed athlete or public figure beyond their limits.
I hope that when our children reach an age where they can understand the news, journalistic ethics and standards will be more strictly enforced.
So I will use my platform to change the way we talk about it in public and to criticize people simply for not living up to the often unrealistic expectations placed on them.
“Everyone knows who the real parasite is.”
Sophia Jhon is a sports journalist and author. He has worked as a news editor for Sportish and is now a sport columnist for the same publication. Alberta’s professional interests lie largely in sports news, with an emphasis on English football. He has also written articles on other sporting topics.