Wales fans turn on Gareth Bale for accepting MBE as he's 'no longer a Welsh legend'

Gareth Bale has faced a backlash from his some of his compatriots who told him he is "no longer a Welsh legend" after he accepted an MBE awarded in the Queen's Birthday Honours list

Some Wales fans have turned on Gareth Bale after he accepted an MBE awarded in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Bales has been recognised for his services to football and charity after winning a record fifth Champions League for a UK player with Real Madrid last week. During the pandemic he donated large sums to hospitals in his home country and Spain and has supported other charitable causes.

After accepting the MBE, Bale wrote on social media: "Receiving an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list is a very proud moment for my family and I. To be given this news as we prepare to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee makes it feel even more special.

"I joined an academy aged 9, so football is a defining part of my identity. I recognise the privilege of being able to do what I love, & for all the incredible moments, experiences, achievements & memories football has given me, I hope I’ve been able to give just as much back. Football is my whole life and I am deeply humbled to be recognised by the Queen."

But some of his compatriots were far from thrilled with the news, with the history between the monarchy and Wales not sitting well with them. One told Bale: "No longer a Welsh legend I’m afraid." Another replied: "This has to be some kinda sick joke."

"Very disappointed in you," added a further disgruntled fan. One joked: "This must be what it feels like opening your wife’s phone and finding videos of her getting it off with another man."

Another similarly added: "This is like finding out your lass is cheating on you with a lad who works part-time in Poundland."

And with Wales faced with a play-off against Ukraine to secure World Cup qualification next week, one fan commented: "We’ve been undermined as a nation less than a week before the second biggest game in our history. Great."

Some came to Bale's defence, with one writing: "This is embarrassing and small minded as a Welshman from the outside looking in. He’s entitled to accept an MBE for what he’s contributed to society with his donation and to be immensely proud of it too. Congratulations @GarethBale11."

A second supporter posted: "Some absolutely mental reactions from people to this. So he isn’t some Plaid Cymru anti-royalist, who gives a f***?"

Others sports stars who have been awarded honours are Liverpool midfielder James Milner and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who has been awarded an OBE.