Barcelona hit back at Dani Alves following player's controversial Instagram attack on Spanish media

Barcelona have issued a statement distancing themselves from a controversial attack by Dani Alves via his Instagram account on the Spanish media. The Brazilian international right-back has been openly critical of the press recently, even refusing to answer questions from journalists at Marca and AS – Madrid-based publications linked with Real Madrid – during press conferences.

Alves launched a new attack on the Spanish media through Instagram following a double controversial encounter with local rivals Espanyol, firstly in a goalless La Liga game at the weekend and then in a midweek Copa del Rey tie, where Barcelona prevailed 4-1 but saw Luis Suarez retrospectively banned for two games for his behaviour in the aftermath of the game.

Alves posted a picture of the game with the following message: "Really, every day that passed makes me more ashamed of being part of this sport, of how they use it, how they play with us. I thought that one day each one of us were going there to play for our colours, our clubs, I thought that if we won or lost we would go to our homes to reflect on what we did badly or to enjoy how well we did."

"Nowadays we are objects used by the press for their own benefit, for them to sell papers. Every time they are talking less about football, tactics, dribbling, goals, saves and performances. What f****** rubbish they are."

The club, however, have claimed they don't agree with the player's views with a surprising statement on the club's official website.

"FC Barcelona first-team player Dani Alves has today posted a very critical text against the media on Instagram, even using offensive language," the club said. "Beyond the opinions that the player can express freely, FC Barcelona are in the need to clarify that the club don't support or share the offensive expressions he had published."