Dani Carvajal apologises for swearing at Barcelona fans

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has issued an apology for directing an offensive gesture in the direction of Barcelona supporters during Saturday's El Clasico clash.

The 24-year-old was pictured raising his middle finger to a section of Barca fans as Los Blancos celebrated their late equaliser at the home of their arch rivals.

Carvajal admits that he should not have provoked the home side's fanbase, which he said was done in retaliation for taunts made towards him during the late drama in Catalonia - a result that keeps Madrid six points clear at the summit.

"I'd like to apologise for the gesture to a portion of the fans, responding to insults," he said on Twitter. "It's something that shouldn't be done."

Carvajal, who has appeared 11 time for Madrid in La Liga this term, could still be punished by Spanish football chiefs if he is found guilty of inciting the opposition fans.