FC Barcelona is not happy with what it calls “an attack on the freedom of expression” after a decision was made to not allow the flag of Catalan to fly in Madrid on Sunday.
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This Sunday Barcelona face Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final at Atletico Madrid’s Vicente Calderon Stadium but the Spanish government -- which, of course, is based in Madrid -- has announced that all Estelada flags will be banned from being displayed at the Spanish domestic cup final.
This ban has come directly from the government’s representative in Madrid. Catalan, which Barcelona is the capital and biggest city of, has been increasing its push for independence from the rest of Spain in recent years and the club sees this act as a huge setback in its fight for separation.
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In an angry statement on their website, Barca expressed its disdain at the decision.FC Barcelona expresses, in the most absolute terms, its total and complete disagreement with the announcement prohibiting the display of Estelada flags at the final of the Copa del Rey, to be played this Sunday night. The ban was announced on Wednesday by the Spanish government’s representative in the Community of Madrid.
FC Barcelona considers the decision to be an attack on the freedom of expression, the fundamental right of each and every individual to express their ideas and opinions freely and without censorship, a right which is recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. FC Barcelona has always defended, and will continue to defend, the freedom of expression of all its members and fans, who have always displayed a high level of civility and respect.
FC Barcelona calls for the use of common sense and responsibility and demands the government representative’s cooperation in creating the good atmosphere a match such as the Copa del Rey final deserves. FC Barcelona also implores the representative to respect the honour of the institutions involved in this final and to avoid causing any uncomfortable situations.
We will still see plenty of Estelada’s in Madrid on Sunday?
I’m guessing yes but it certainly is a bold move from the authorities to try and ban it from happening.
