An Europa fan, assaulted by the police for carrying an estelada

BarcelonaA few days after the assault suffered by a minor Barça fan at the Elche stadium for carrying an estelada, Europa has reported a similar case during the match that pitted the Gràcia team against Alcorcón, a Primera RFEF match that ended without goals (0-0).

According to the club, "an Europa fan was the subject of disproportionate action by National Police officers for displaying an estelada". The fan identified himself and at all times followed the instructions given to him by the officers. Despite this, according to other fans who were present there, the officers grabbed him by the neck, threw him to the ground, and hit him. In addition, they report that they confiscated the estelada, tried to force him to say he was Spanish, and even threatened him with a possible sanction under the sports law.

In light of this episode, the visiting Europa fans left the away stand in solidarity with the supporter. Europa, which has been owned by its members for years, has identified itself with Catalanism and stated: "We consider any action that violates fundamental rights, freedom of expression, and political and social freedoms to be inadmissible. Club Esportiu Europa defends the rights and freedoms of all its fans and expresses its full solidarity with the young man and with all the Europa fan base, as well as its commitment to continue defending the rights of our people in the face of any situation of violation or abuse."

The first match of the season for Europa already experienced some turmoil. The club called for people to bring 'estelades' (Catalan independence flags), flags that are always usually seen at the stadium, to show solidarity with the Barça fan who was attacked in Elche. At the end of the match, a member of the coaching staff of Jaén, the opposing team, celebrated the victory with a Spanish flag that he displayed to the visiting fans.