Wales 2-1 Austria: ‘They should all be ashamed of themselves’ – Gareth Bale hits out at ‘disgusting’ treatment in Spain

Gareth Bale has hit out at what he calls his ‘disgusting’ treatment in Spain after firing Wales past Austria in their play-off semi-final at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Bale scored both goals – the first of which was a vicious, dipping free-kick – to put Wales one game away from qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1958, having beaten Austria 2-1 to triumph in the semi-final.

Bale cut a notably animated figure during his celebrations of both goals and was asked whether they were pointed.

“No. I don’t need to send a message, honestly,” Bale said.

“It’s a waste of my time, it’s just disgusting. They should also be ashamed of themselves. I’m not fussed.”

With the other play-off semi-final – Scotland against Ukraine – for qualification Path A postponed until June on account of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Bale and Wales will have to wait for several months to find out who they will play in the final.

Bale, with his contract set to expire in June, will be a free agent by then.