Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has clashed with former presidential candidate and director Toni Freixa online.

Pique took issue with Freixa responding to criticism by journalist Alfredo Martínez, of Ousmane Dembele's new contract demands.

Freixa agreed, stating: "That's how the players are. No surprise to me. To think that he would renew downwards to allow the registration of a newly signed player who plays in the same position, is ridiculous."

Infuriated, Pique declared: "Do not generalise with the 'that's how the players are'. It's as if I said 'that's the way the candidates are, they don't pay their collaborators'."

Pique was among the senior players to take a pay-cut in the summer to help a cash-strapped Barca to register Memphis, Eric Garcia and Rey Manaj.