Barcelona scraps Spain World Cup tribute amid fans’ Catalan flag support

Barcelona canceled a planned tribute to its World Cup-winning players with Spain at its first home game of the season. This decision was made after an incident where a fan's Catalan pro-independence flag, known as the "estelada," was confiscated by police and the fan was reportedly hit with batons. Instead of the club's tribute, fans organized their own display of estelada flags and banners at Camp Nou stadium. Barcelona stated that the estelada is a legally endorsed symbol and its display is a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression. The club expressed regret over the confiscation of flags from its fans.

Barcelona has canceled a planned tribute to its eight World Cup-winning players with the Spanish national team at their upcoming home game. This decision comes after an incident where police confiscated an "estelada" flag, a Catalan pro-independence symbol, from a fan and used force during their detention. Instead of honoring the players, an event supporting the estelada is expected to occur at Camp Nou, with 10,000 flags to be distributed. Barcelona stated that the estelada is a legally recognized symbol and its display is a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression, deeming the police's actions disproportionate. Club president Joan Laporta indicated it was not the right time for the tribute, emphasizing that football should unite rather than create conflict.