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.

In particular, the club considers that the procedure used to detain one of our fans was disproportionate and that the use of force lacked the necessary justification and appropriateness. FC Barcelona has made itself available to the detained fan and his family to offer them any support they may require.

FC Barcelona also regrets that, once again, police officers confiscated Estelada flags from Barça fans. The Estelada is a legally endorsed symbol and its display constitutes a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression. As such, it cannot in itself be considered an incitement to hatred or violence.

FC Barcelona awaits the relevant explanations regarding these events and reserves the right to take whatever action it deems appropriate to defend the integrity, rights and freedom of expression of its members and fans, both at Spotify Camp Nou and at opposing teams’ stadiums.

Força Barça