CARLO ANCELOTTI has defended Gareth Bale after the Real Madrid superstar missed the club's La Liga title party.

The Wales captain, 32, had been missing from the matchday squad for their derby with Atletico Madrid due to a bad back.

The injury restricted the former Spurs man from joining the celebrations, as Real secured their 35th league title.

As the fun commenced for stars like Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, Bale could only congratulate his teammates through twitter.

He tweeted: "So disappointed that I’m not able to be part of the celebrations this evening due to a bad back spasm but really proud of the team for winning the title! Enjoy tonight boys!"

The Welshman has not been a hit with Spanish media in recent years, and again they were not impressed with his absence.

Real Madrid newspaper Marca described the tweet as an "ugly gesture on a day of joy for the squad and fans".

The publication also labelled Bale a "parasite" following his absence from the El Clasico thrasing at the hands of Barcelona.

However, Real manager Ancelotti has leaped to the defense of his player, who is set to leave the club when his contract expires this summer.

He said: "All the players have an affection for Bale and vice-versa. When you have a back issue it becomes difficult to move, it happened to me. 

If Bale is okay, he trains, but if he doesn't it's because he can't move, not because he's distant."

The Wales captain has only five league appearances this season, however is apparently keen to stay in Spain when he ends his time at the Bernabeu this summer.