’Unacceptable’ – Barcelona supporters rage at Laporta after flat Champions League atmosphere at Montjuic | OneFootball

FC Barcelona suffered a disappointing defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their latest UEFA Champions League match, a result that felt preventable had the Catalan giants maintained the intensity they displayed in the opening 30 minutes.

While the team’s performance and tactical decisions drew scrutiny, an equally glaring issue emerged from the stands: an unusually subdued atmosphere that failed to rally the players in a crucial European fixture.

The Espai d’Animació (Animation Stand), typically a vibrant hub of chants, tifos, and unrelenting support behind one of the goals, was conspicuously absent due to its ongoing suspension.

This dedicated section, designed to mirror the intimidating energy of Borussia Dortmund’s ’Yellow Wall’, has been shuttered since November 2024 following disputes over unpaid fines for fan misconduct.

The lack of organized support left Montjuic’s atmosphere noticeably flat, a sentiment echoed by fans in attendance.

One supporter, in a fiery post-match interview with Catalunya Ràdio, highlighted by FCB World, lambasted club president Joan Laporta:

“A message to Mr. Laporta. It is completely unacceptable that fans of any other team come and their voices are heard throughout the match more than 40,000 Barcelona fans. We need the fan groups; we need one of them to put some encouragement in this stadium. What is happening is completely unacceptable. It is shameful, I cannot describe it any other way.”

ESPN’s FC Barcelona correspondent, Samuel Marsden, reinforced these concerns, noting that Montjuic’s atmosphere has been consistently underwhelming.

“Atmosphere has not been good at Olympic Stadium for over a year now (and it wasn’t top, top tier before). Last night, the game between two of Europe’s best teams should have been rocking. Chalk and cheese compared to opener at St James’ Park vs. NUFC”

Regrettably, neither Barça’s fans nor players could replicate that spark against PSG, failing to seize the moment in a game that demanded their collective fire.

The absence of the Animation Stand stems from a broader conflict. Last season, fan groups incurred approximately €21,000 in fines for violations like pyrotechnics and unauthorized banners, leading to 14 disciplinary actions against the club.

When groups failed to reimburse the penalties, Barça indefinitely closed the section, reassigning season tickets and sparking protests, including banners and boycotts.

In February 2025, the club announced plans for a permanent animation space in the renovated Spotify Camp Nou, set to reopen in phases, but only after resolving the financial disputes, a process that continues to spark tension and remains unresolved.

As Barcelona navigates this turbulent period, mostly off the pitch, the absence of their passionate core in the stands underscores a deeper challenge. The club and fan groups must find common ground so that Animation Stand can return and restore the roaring atmosphere that once defined Barcelona’s fortress. For now, the silence at Montjuic speaks louder than words.