Raphinha hits out at 'lack of respect' over fan gesture with Nico Williams Barcelona shirt

Brazilian forward left out of Spain squad for Nations League after struggling with fitness

Barcelona winger Raphinha has hit out at a fan gesture that saw him handed a Nico Williams shirt after he was left out of the Spain squad for the Nations League. The Brazilian forward, who has made 10 appearances for Spain, was not included in Luis Enrique's squad for the upcoming matches against Portugal and Switzerland. After the squad announcement, a fan was seen handing Raphinha a Williams shirt, with the Barcelona winger appearing to take offense to the gesture.

Raphinha: 'It was a lack of respect'

"It was a lack of respect," Raphinha said after Barcelona's pre-season friendly with Inter Miami on Wednesday. "I don't think it was a nice gesture. I don't think it was the right way to do it. I think it was a disrespectful gesture and I didn't like it. I think it's important to respect everyone, regardless of their nationality or their club. I think it's important to respect everyone and I didn't think it was the right way to do it."

Raphinha has been in good form for Barcelona during pre-season, scoring three goals in three appearances. However, he has struggled with fitness issues and was forced to miss Barcelona's La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano last weekend. The Brazilian is hoping to be fit for Barcelona's next match against Real Sociedad on Sunday.