Planned Tribute to World Cup Champions Cancelled in Barcelona
Barcelona cancelled a planned tribute ceremony for its World Cup-winning players with Spain ahead of the Athletic Bilbao match, citing police incidents.
The Barcelona club decided against holding the planned tribute ceremony for Spain's World Cup-winning players during the first home match of the season against Athletic Bilbao, due to police intervention and a detention incident involving a flag that serves as a symbol of Catalan independence.
Reason for Cancelling the Ceremony
A ceremony had been planned during the first home match of the season for eight footballers in Barcelona's squad who won the World Cup with Spain. However, the police confiscation of a young fan's estelada flag and subsequent detention prior to the Elche match led to this decision being changed.
The club management expressed regret over the situation, stating that it found the police action of confiscating the flag and detaining the fan disproportionate, and cancelled the planned tribute ceremony.
Symbolic Act Performed at Camp Nou
In place of the cancelled ceremony, a local group organized an action in support of the Catalan symbol at Camp Nou Stadium. Before the match, approximately 10,000 small estelada flags were distributed to fans in a show of support.
Status of the Club President and Players
Barcelona Club President Joan Laporta stated that following the events, it was not the right time to present a tribute to the Spanish players, emphasizing that football should be unifying. The eight Barcelona players who contributed to Spain's victory include Joan García, Eric García, Pedri, Pau Cubarsí, Gavi, Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal.