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FC Barcelona has condemned what it described as the “disproportionate use of force” against club members and supporters during incidents outside the Martínez Valero stadium before their La Liga meeting with Elche.
The statement came after Barcelona went on to record the biggest victory of the La Liga season, cruising to a 5-0 win over Elche.
Raphinha and Fermín López both scored twice, while new signing Karim Adeyemi also found the net as Hansi Flick’s side strengthened their bid for a third consecutive La Liga title.
However, events away from the pitch dominated Barcelona’s pre-match concerns. The club specifically criticised the police procedure used to detain one of its supporters, claiming the use of force lacked the necessary justification and was disproportionate to the circumstances.
Barcelona said it had made itself available to the detained fan and his family to provide any support they may require.
The Catalan club also expressed its frustration over the confiscation of Estelada flags from Barcelona supporters outside the stadium.
Barcelona described the Estelada as a legally endorsed symbol and argued that displaying the flag represents a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression, insisting that its presence alone should not be regarded as an incitement to hatred or violence.
“FC Barcelona also regrets that, once again, police officers confiscated Estelada flags from Barça fans,” the club said.
The club said it is awaiting explanations from the relevant authorities over the incidents and has reserved the right to take whatever action it considers necessary to defend the “integrity, rights and freedom of expression” of its members and supporters.
Barcelona added that this commitment applies both at Spotify Camp Nou and when the club's supporters travel to opposing teams’ stadiums.
The controversy unfolded before a match that ultimately proved straightforward for Flick’s side. Barcelona raced to a commanding victory, with Raphinha and Fermín López each contributing two goals and Adeyemi adding another.
Lamine Yamal was also involved in one of the notable moments during the match, appearing frustrated after being substituted in the second half.
Despite the comfortable result on the pitch, Barcelona has now called for answers over the treatment of its supporters and indicated that further action could follow once the circumstances surrounding the incidents at Martínez Valero have been clarified.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Abir Hasan, Unsplash / Klemens Köpfle
