Police charges, one detainee and Esteladas confiscated from Barça fans in Elche
The fans have complained about the forceful police action at the stadium gates
BarcelonaBarça fans present at the Martínez Valero have reported that the National Police confiscated esteladas from them at the entrance to Elche's stadium. As the blaugrana fans arrived at the stadium with the police watching everything, insults were heard and some incidents occurred with local fans who were waiting. The police charged harshly against the blaugrana fans and a Catalan supporter, a minor, was arrested when they confiscated his estelada. Many fans complained about the blows received from the police.
The images show moments of tension when the police confiscated estelades (Catalan pro-independence flags) right at the entrance of the stadium, in an area where the fans of both teams were very close. Upon seeing his estelada being taken, a young fan complains and, upon being forcibly removed, is hit twice with a baton. He then reacts by hitting a police officer and ends up on the ground, where he receives more blows. After being taken to a medical center, he ended up at a police station in Elche, where he spent the night. Subsequently, he has been allowed to return home and will have to testify remotely.
Different Barça fan clubs as well as some politicians have complained on social media about the police action, demanding accountability from the police officers present at Elche's stadium. Other fans have explained that the group of Barça fans arrived at the stadium together, with police escort, but at the entrance to the venue the queue broke, at which point the officers baton-charged more Catalan supporters.
Laporta will get in touch with the young detainee
The Barça entity has condemned “the disproportionate use of force against club members and fans” and makes itself available to the detained person and their family to “offer them the support they may need”. As confirmed to ARA by Barça sources, Joan Laporta has contacted the supporter to show him his support.
The club also regrets that police officers have once again seized estelades, “a legal symbol whose display constitutes a legitimate manifestation of freedom of expression”. The entity considers that it does not incite hatred or violence, and reserves the right to undertake “the actions it deems appropriate to defend the integrity, rights and freedom of expression of its members and fans, both at Camp Nou and in the stadiums of rival teams”, they assure in the statement published this Monday morning.
The second matchday of the League, in which Barça debuted – they had a rest in the first – saw other incidents, such as whistles or insults against Julián Álvarez – Argentine player of Atlético de Madrid – by his fans, as he wants to move to Barça. The local fans chanted against the player, against Barça and also against Catalonia.
Tribute to Marcial Pina
Before the match, the local club paid tribute to the Barça players who were world champions this summer. A tribute was also paid to Marcial Pina, a Barça player between the 1969 and 1977 seasons, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
