protest11d ago
Barcelona cancels Spanish World Cup tribute amid pro-independence fan support
FC Barcelona canceled a planned tribute for its eight Spanish World Cup-winning players during the club's home opener against Athletic Bilbao after a fan was detained and allegedly struck by police for displaying an 'estelada' flag at a previous match in Elche. In place of the tribute, local groups distributed 10,000 'estelada' flags—a symbol of Catalan independence—which were displayed by supporters during the stadium anthem. Club president Joan Laporta stated the cancellation was intended to avoid confrontation, noting that the club viewed the police's prior use of force against the fan as disproportionate and unjustifiable.