Gianluigi Buffon backs "icon" Iker Casillas

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has criticised the treatment Iker Casillas has received from Real Madrid fans in recent weeks.

The Madrid skipper was subjected to whistles for the majority of his side's 2-2 draw with Valencia at the weekend, having been deemed responsible for both of the visitors' goals.

Casillas's form has been questioned over the past couple of seasons, but Buffon insists that players of such high standing "do not deserve" that level of criticism.

"I don't want to give Iker any advice because it's a personal situation," the Italian shot-stopper told reporters.

"But I find the protest against him to be an ungrateful gesture. This guy has been wearing a Real Madrid shirt for 20 years.

"He's certainly received a lot from this club but he's also given them a great deal too. Certain icons do not deserve this kind of treatment."

Casillas and Buffon will face each other once again this evening as Madrid welcome Juventus to the Bernabeu for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.