EU IN CHAOS: Brussels turf war rages on as Brexit man Verhofstadt mocks 'mediocre' Juncker
BRUSSELS' chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt has posted a bizarre tweet following a blazing row at the European Parliament.
Guy Verhofstadt posted a bizarre tweet about Jean-Claude Juncker's outburst
European Commission leader Jean-Claude Juncker clashed with Parliament chief Antonio Tajani in Strasbourg today.
In staggering scenes, Mr Juncker branded the Parliament "ridiculous" and vowed to never attend any of its meetings again.
Arch-federalist Mr Verhofstadt responded by posting a quoted by legendary Irish author Oscar Wilde alongside a winky-face emoji.
Ridicule is the tribute paid to the genius by the mediocrities
The quote reads: "Ridicule is the tribute paid to the genius by the mediocrities."
Twitter users hit back at Mr Verhofstadt, who has been known to poke fun at rivals on social media.
One wrote: "'Mediocrities', really? You should know better. I expect more from my representative than childish and offensive counter-attacks."
Jason Dodd added: "Wilde also said 'It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious.' No sense of charm from you, sir!"
Brussels' Brexit negotiator was mocked by Twitter users for his post
Mr Juncker was forced to issue a grovelling apology following his outburst, which took place in front of stunned MEPs.
A European Parliament spokesman said: "There has just been a meeting between Tajani and Juncker, at which the latter said he regretted the terms he used.
"Tajani now considers the issue closed."
Juncker clashed clashed with Parliament chief Antonio Tajani in Strasbourg
Jean-Claude Juncker and Antonio Tajani in EXPLOSIVE EU row
European Commission vice-president Frans Timmerman raced to Mr Juncker's defence, saying his remarks were issued with "passion".
He told reporters: "Jean-Claude has a habit of letting his heart speak which is one of the reasons why I admire him so much.
"So these are things that happen in politics. It belongs to being a politician with passion. I can fully recognise that and I really like him for it."