Barcelona back their supporters and condemn police actions in Elche
Barcelona enjoyed a quiet evening on the pitch. Outside the stadium, it was a very different story. The club have officially condemned the actions of the Spanish National Police towards their supporters before the match against Elche, citing disproportionate force, the arrest of one fan and the confiscation of Catalan independence flags.
The incidents occurred near the Martínez Valero stadium. Footage shared on social media shows tension between officers and a group of Barcelona supporters. The videos include police removing estelada flags and intervening against a young fan.
According to the Catalan newspaper ARA, the detained supporter is a minor. He was reportedly struck with a baton after objecting to the removal of his flag. He was then taken to a medical centre and later to a police station in Elche, where he spent the night. He has since been released and is expected to give evidence remotely.
Barcelona focused particularly on the manner in which the arrest was carried out. The club described the force used as disproportionate and inappropriate for the situation. It have also offered support to the detained fan and his family.
The statement went further. Barcelona criticised officers for confiscating estelada flags and stressed that they are legal symbols whose display is protected as an expression of free speech. The presence of such a flag cannot, by itself, be treated as incitement to hatred or violence.
Barcelona are capable of releasing statements that leave readers knowing less than they did before opening them. This was not one of those statements. The club are demanding explanations and have reserved the right to take further action to defend the safety, rights and freedom of expression of their members and supporters.
ARA also reports that Joan Laporta contacted the detained fan to offer his personal support. The case has now reached the political level. Junts per Catalunya and Esquerra Republicana have requested explanations from Spain’s Interior Ministry, while ERC have called for an immediate investigation into the police operation.
Barcelona’s statement does not attempt to settle every detail of what happened outside the stadium or assess the actions of every person involved. It does, however, take a clear position on the conduct visible in the footage and the confiscation of legal symbols.
Barcelona returned from Elche with five goals, three points and a dispute that did not end with the final whistle. This time the club did not hide behind silence. They want answers and have warned that the matter may not finish with a written statement.
Sources: AS – FC Barcelona’s official position | ARA – account of the incidents and the detained supporter | El País – Junts and ERC request explanations
