Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos insists that not performing a guard of honour is not a sign of disrespect as the controversy surrounding the upcoming Clasico clash continues.

Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane said last week that his players would not give Barcelona a guard of honour if the Catalan side has sealed the La Liga title before the two sides play next month.

The decision comes after Barcelona decided not to give Real Madrid a guard of honour when they played each other in December, immediately after Madrid had won the FIFA Club World Cup.

“Not performing a guard of honour doesn’t mean we don’t respect Barcelona,” Ramos said after Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid gave Barcelona an 11-point lead atop the table.

“I’ve always said that we’ll do what the coach tells us to.

“People put too much value on the guard of honour, if the boss has said no then we have to respect him.”