Barcelona decide to escalate after Elche incidents: we will protect our fans at the Camp Nou and beyond

A fiery statement from Barcelona

What happened around the Martínez Valero stadium did not go unnoticed. Barcelona opened fire on the security forces and issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it called the "excessive" use of force against its supporters before the La Liga match against Elche.

The Catalan club released its official statement today, Monday, expressing deep dismay at the events that preceded Sunday's match against Elche. Assaults and tensions affected members of the club and the travelling supporters who followed the team.

One incident drew particular focus: the arrest of a Barcelona supporter. The club branded the arrest "excessive" and lacking the "necessary consistency and appropriateness in the use of force". It declared its full solidarity with the detained supporter and his family, backing him absolutely.

The anger did not stop there. Barcelona also condemned police officers for "once again" confiscating the Catalan independence flags, the "Esteladas", from supporters before they entered the stadium.

According to the statement, the independence flag is a "legal symbol", and raising it counts as a legitimate expression of the freedom of expression guaranteed by law. The flag "cannot be considered, in itself, an incitement to hatred or violence".

Firm language closed the statement. Barcelona said it awaits the necessary clarifications about the incident from the responsible authorities, and does not rule out legal action.

The statement read: "The club reserves its right to take any action it deems necessary to protect the integrity of its members and supporters, their rights and their freedom of expression, whether at the Spotify Camp Nou stadium or during their travels to the stadiums of rival teams".