AEPD 'demands' Dani Alves apology after rant

The Spanish Sports Press Association (AEPD) has announced it is considering legal action against Barcelona defender Dani Alves following his comments on the Spanish press on Friday.

The 32-year-old lashed out at the reporting of their Copa del Rey win over Espanyol inspired by Lionel Messi on Wednesday - a game which saw Luis Suarez handed a two-game ban for an alleged tunnel bust-up.

Alves, writing on his social media profile on Instagram, claimed "we are objects used by the press so that they can sell newspapers" before labelling the Spanish media as "f****** rubbish".

AEPD have now stated they are considering legal action against the Brazil international.

A statement read: "The Spanish Sports Press Association rejects, condemns and demands a public retraction of the Barcelona player while studying legal action, because 'such statements are subject to criminal prosecution', as lawyers consulted.

"AEPD is confident that Alves, who is a great footballer and a very special guy, and can censor press because it's in his right to make such statements, can reconsider and withdraw his words that football is only in news for the values it represents."

Barcelona, who initially distanced themselves from Alves' comments by insisting they "do not share" his views, have responded by offering support to the player

"The club will provide all the support with staff, legal and administrative to Dani Alves so he can defend this complaint in the case it prospers," a club statement read.

"The club believes AEPD's complaint announcement seeks only the opportunity to undermine the public image of the player and the club.

"FC Barcelona invites the AEPD to publicly explain the actions undertaken by this organisation in similar sport cases that can be compared."