20 May 2016

Barcelona furious over 'esteladas' ban

Just four days before the Copa del Rey final, Madrid authorities have banned the Catalan flag to be spread in Vicente Calderon. This Sunday is the cup final between Barcelona and Sevilla, and if this offence is made the Catalans could be in serious trouble. For security reasons the Catalan flag (popularly known as estelada) would not be allowed into the stadium, said the Madrid police. The club immediately issued a statement accusing the Spanish government of an attack of 'freedom of expression, a fundamental right of all individuals to express ideas and opinions freely and without censorship. FC Barcelona expresses its absolute disagreement with the announcement that the exhibition of esteladas in the Copa del Rey final will be prohibited'. For Javier Tebas, La Liga's president the decision is in place by saying 'Esteladas can be on the street and also in La Liga games where they are not a problem. But speaking about Spanish cup final, it is better to ban the symbolism'.
In last year's final between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao there was a controversy as both supporters booed king Felipe before kick-off and whistled during the national anthem. Last July esteladas were waved during the Champions league final and Barcelona were penalized with 30.000 euros. While they had to pay 10.000 more this time, because their supporters brought the flags in October against Bayer Leverkusen at the same competition.

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