Lionel Messi has criticized Barcelona fans for the “ugly” jeers of Philippe Coutinho during their win over Liverpool on Wednesday.

Coutinho has 11 goals in 51 games for Barca this season, he was substituted in the second half of the game at the Nou Camp, a move that was greeted with glee by many of the Barca fans in attendance.

Messi described the actions of the fans as ugly “It is ugly to treat a player like that when they are taken off.”

The former Liverpool midfielder has endured a difficult time since moving to Spain in January 2018, but Messi said:

“We’re at the defining stage of the season and we have to be more united than ever, it’s not the time to criticize anyone. We have to support each other and stick together for the rest of the season.

“It is ugly to treat a player like that when they are taken off.”