- FC Barcelona condemns the disproportionate use of force against club members and fans during the incidents that took place yesterday in the vicinity of the Martínez Valero stadium ahead of the league game against Elche.
- Videos have emerged on social media appearing to show confrontations between police and fans as they queued to enter the Estadio Martinez Valero in Elche, Alicante.
- FC Barcelona issued an official statement condemning the disproportionate use of force and the detention of a fan, stating that the procedure used was disproportionate and lacked necessary justification.
- Barcelona also regretted the confiscation of Estelada flags, which are used by supporters of Catalan independence, calling it a legal symbol of freedom of expression.
- Politicians, including Carles Puigdemont, joined the debate, condemning the violence, stating that it would be intolerable in a sane society.
FC Barcelona has publicly condemned the police's actions during the incidents outside the Martínez Valero stadium before their match against Elche, where fans were reportedly subjected to disproportionate force.1
The club stated that the procedure used to detain one supporter was disproportionate and lacked justification.
"FC Barcelona has made itself available to the detained fan and his family to offer them any support they may require," the club said.
Additionally, the police confiscated Estelada flags, which are symbols of Catalan independence and are legally endorsed. The club emphasized that displaying these flags is a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression and should not be viewed as incitement to violence.4
Barcelona's statement highlighted their commitment to defending the rights and integrity of their fans, stating, "FC Barcelona awaits explanations corresponding to the events and reserves the right to take actions that it considers fit to defend the integrity, the rights, and the freedom of expression of its members and fans."
The incidents have drawn criticism from various quarters, including former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, who described the police's actions as intolerable, stating, "Independence comes with a heavy price to pay... but the cost of dependence on Spain is unbearable."
The club's condemnation follows footage circulating on social media showing confrontations between police and fans, raising concerns about the treatment of supporters at sporting events.2
“Videos show a fan being dragged and pinned to the ground, and the Estelada flag was confiscated. Carles Puigdemont, former Catalan president, called the violence 'intolerable' in a sane society, linking it to the cost of independence.”
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