FC Barcelona are considering challenging Uefa’s decision to impose a fine of a 30,000 for their fans displaying Catalan flags during last month’s Champions League final win over Juventus in Berlin.
During the 3-1 win over Juventus in the Champions League final in Berlin on June 6, FC Barcelona supporters displayed red and yellow Catalan separatist flags from the stands and chanted slogans in favor of independence for the wealthy northeastern region of Spain that is embroiled in political turmoil from a long time and heightened during the days of general Franco.
UEFA rules ban the use of a symbols, actions of songs that are not within the context of a sports event, especially messages of a political, ideological, religious, offensive and provocative nature.a
FC Barcelona fined, looking to appeal
FC Barcelona have been fined a 30,000 by UEFA for their fans waving Catalan flags and the club are looking to appeal the decision.
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“FC Barcelona respects Uefaa s decision that was relayed to the Club on Thursday in relation to the Champions League final in Berlin,” read a statement released on the official website of the club.
“However, it does not agree with that decision, especially in the light of the Uefa delegatea s description of the Barca members and fansa behaviour as excellent, both before, during and after the game, as stated in their report.
“With the aim of defending the rights of the Club and its members and while respecting current legislation, the Cluba s legal services will consider the possibility of questioning the fine announced today, Thursday.
“Our conviction is that the rights of the Club and members are not incompatible with current legislation.“
The club will appeal UEFAa s decision, citing respect for freedom of expression of its supporters, a club spokesman had said earlier.
The history
FC Barcelona has historically had close ties with Catalan nationalism, that led to ita s fierce rivalry with Real Madrid, the club FC Barcelona fans allege were backed by the dictator General Franco, who carried atrocities against the people of Catalonia.
FC Barcelona backed a symbolic independence referendum organised in November by the regional government of Catalonia, which was fiercely opposed by the central government in Madrid.
During FC Barcelonaa s 3-1 King Cup final win over Athletic Bilbao on May 30, supporters from both teams jeered while Spaina s national anthem was played before the start of the game.
After the match, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoya s office issued a statement condemning a attacks against symbols that represent all Spaniardsa .
Athletic Bilbao is based in Spaina s northern Basque County which like Catalonia has an active independence movement.