Washington, Jul 23 (AFP) Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has denied disrespecting Wales star Gareth Bale as he discussed the expected transfer of the 30-year-old forward from the La Liga giants on Monday.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of Real Madrid's friendly with Arsenal at FedEx Field -- home of the NFL's Washington Redskins -- Zidane said it was Bale who chose not to play in Madrid's 3-1 friendly defeat to Bayern in Houston on Saturday.

"I did not disrespect anyone, least of all Gareth," a frustrated-sounding Zidane said. "I said that the club is working to facilitate Bale's departure, nothing more.

"The other day, Gareth did not dress for the game, he did not want to because the club was negotiating his departure," he added.

Zidane had been branded a "disgrace" by Bale's agent for his comments after the Saturday match, when he said he hoped Bale's move from the club happened soon "for everyone's sake." "He shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real

Madrid," agent Jonathan Barnett fumed.

Bale has been frozen out in Madrid by Zidane despite helping his side to a Spanish title and four Champions Leagues since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur six year ago.

His brace, including a brilliant bicycle kick, sank Liverpool in the 2018 final, but he was shunted aside by Zidane as soon as he returned to the Real bench in early March.

After Zidane's reappointment, Bale played 90 minutes in just three of the remaining 11 matches, was left out completely four times and frequently substituted when he did play.

"Today, he is a Real Madrid player," Zidane said, adding that the striker would train with the team Monday night. (AFP) APA APA 07230935 NNNN it, making it 2-0 in the 86th.

Moments later, Bamba added his second of the night from close range. Lille struggled so much last season it was almost relegated.

What a turnaround it has been since coach Christophe Galtier took charge. Not only did he save Lille from humiliating relegation following a significant transfer outlay, he has transformed the side this season.

Meanwhile, Marseille's defense continues to leak goals and coach Rudi Garcia's team is down in sixth spot.

Impressive Montepillier

Third-place Montpellier continued its fine start by beating local rival Nimes 3-0. Defender Ambroise Oyongo put Montpellier ahead and striker Andy Delort made it 2-0 after nine minutes of first-half injury time.

A metal gate gave way after Montpellier fans celebrated Oyongo's goal, sending a few of them spilling onto the pitch and causing the match to be delayed. Reports said two fans sustained light injuries.

The outstanding Florent Mollet set up striker Gaetan Laborde for a diving header in the 79th, after which a crowd disturbance caused the match to be stopped for about 30 minutes.

Some 70-80 riot police came onto the pitch to block a section of agitated Montpellier fans from confronting their Nimes counterparts. AP KHS KHS

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)