Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has defended Gerard Pique over his taunting of Espanyol fans.

Valverde spoke on Wednesday for the first time since Pique's goal celebrations in Sunday's draw and his disparaging post-match comments.

The coach stated: "All is well. It's already happened, so we have to take a step forward, otherwise we would never go forward.

"The controversy still surrounds football, because of a statement, a gesture ... All controversies can not be avoided. It's a bit boring to talk about all this. La Liga can do what it wants, I have nothing to say.

"This is a gesture we've known for a long time."