Barcelona condemn police action after supporter arrested before Elche clash | OneFootball

Barcelona’s 5-0 win over Elche was one of the biggest talking points of the opening weekend of the La Liga season, but an incident away from the pitch has now prompted a strong response from the club.

Before kick-off, a Barcelona supporter was arrested by police following an incident involving an Estelada flag. 

According to the club’s account, security forces confiscated the flag before the supporter was struck several times and subsequently arrested.

FC Barcelona have now issued an official statement condemning what they described as the “disproportionate use of force against the club’s members and supporters.”

The club also offered support to the arrested young supporter and his family, while demanding clarity over an incident that has become a significant point of discussion.

Barcelona condemn what they call ‘disproportionate arrest’

The Barcelona supporter’s arrest took place before the match against Elche, with the circumstances surrounding the incident now under scrutiny.

In their statement, Barça described the arrest as “disproportionate” and “inconsistent”, making clear that the club is unhappy with how the situation was handled.

Barcelona also said they have offered their support to the supporter involved and his family should they require assistance.

“FC Barcelona has made itself available to the detained fan and his family to offer them any support they may require,” read the official statement.

Furthermore, the Blaugrana made it clear that they are waiting for the relevant information from those involved before deciding whether any further steps are necessary.

Barcelona raise concern over confiscation of Estelada flags

Barcelona also used the statement to address another important part of the incident, which was the confiscation of Estelada flags from Barça supporters.

The club expressed regret that police officers had once again taken Estelada flags from supporters and stressed their view that the flag is a legal symbol.

“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 is awaiting the relevant explanations regarding the 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 supporters, both at the Spotify Camp Nou and at rival teams’ grounds,” the statement concludes.