Barcelona say police used 'disproportionate' force on fans
Barcelona accuse police of using "disproportionate force" against their fans before Sunday's 5-0 win away at Elche.
Barcelona has criticized the police for using excessive force against their fans before the team's 5-0 victory over Elche on Sunday. Social media videos show confrontations between police and fans as they wait to enter the Estadio Martinez Valero in Elche, Alicante. Barcelona claims that the use of force to detain one supporter lacked justification and appropriateness.
The club stated: "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 Martinez Valero stadium ahead of the league game against Elche." The club emphasizes that the procedure used to detain their fan was disproportionate and that the force used lacked justification and was inappropriate.
Barcelona is offering support to the detained fan and his family. Additionally, the club accused the police of confiscating Estelada flags from fans. The Estelada is a legally endorsed symbol representing Catalan independence and a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression, according to Barcelona. The club stated that the display of the Estelada is not an incitement to hatred or violence.
Raphinha and Fermin Lopez each scored twice in Barcelona's 5-0 win. BBC Sport has reached out to local police and the regional government for further comment.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport Football's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
