Real Madrid defender Pepe says Iker Casillas is being poorly treated.

Casillas was again frozen out for victory over Real Valladolid.

Pepe said: "Iker is a really important player for us. We have a Copa del Rey final coming up, we want to give the title to our fans and I think that every player is important right now. We don't have to look down on anyone, least of all Iker, who's an icon here in Madrid. We have to respect him for everything he's done.

"He's a player that's given us a lot and we're not going to let him to be the bad guy in all this. He's important for the club, for us and for the fans as well. We all have to give our love to Iker because he needs it and because he's a key player in this club. He's a symbol of Madrid for the players that are coming up."