Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno says that Pepe is a ‘good kid’

Goal :    Real Madrid director of institutional relations Emilio Buntragueno has come out in support of Pepe, in the midst of the controversy surrounding the 28-year-old.

The Portuguese defender was widely criticised for his boisterous performance in Wednesday’s Clasico, which featured a stamp on Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

However, Butragueno has stated that Pepe is not a bad person, and has been targeted due to his athletic ability.

“Pepe is a nice guy and very passionate. He has suffered because he’s a good athlete,” Butragueno said according to Sport.

However, the 48-year-old remained tight-lipped as to whether Pepe would receive censure from the club for his performance.