Gerard Pique has been making a lot of headlines in recent days - not for Barcelona, but for the controversy surrounding the Catalan referendum.

The 30-year-old supports the idea of Catalan independence and said last week that he was prepared to quit the Spain national team if his views were too much of a problem.

"I go to play with the national team because I believe in democracy and there are a lot of people in Spain who don't agree with what has happened today," Pique said.

"The person who goes with the national team, isn't the most patriotic, you have to go and perform to your maximum.

"It's not a competition of patriotism, it's about going and giving all you can to win - that's how I understand it.

"If anyone in the federation believes I should not be there, I will step aside."

It's fast becoming very clear that Pique's views on Catalan independence are a problem after spectators booed him during training with Spain on Monday.

The session lasted just 23 minutes, with Pique escorted off the pitch by security guards.

Pique has been very outspoken about the referendum and was even slammed by international teammate Sergio Ramos, who has previous with the Barcelona centre-back.

Ramos blasted Pique last week for tweeting about the controversy, saying he was basically asking to be abused.

Fresh reports have now emerged from Spain revealing not only what the Spanish FA have said to Ramos about Pique, but how Ramos feels about him.

As relayed by the Independent, Ramos has been asked not to conduct any interviews as Spain captain out of fears he will say something negative about Pique.

And according to AS, Ramos is annoyed by Pique's recent behaviour and the fact he never responded to his criticism. Their relationship is now 'broken'.

These are dark times in Spain and it would appear the end is nowhere in sight.