Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Barcelona Condemns Police Force Against Fans Carrying Esteladas
Before Barcelona played Elche, some young Barcelona fans arrived carrying Estelada flags.
The Estelada is connected with Catalan independence.
Videos shared online reportedly show police trying to take the flags away.
The article says two young fans were hit during the incident.
One supporter was detained outside the stadium.
Barcelona said the police used too much force and that the detention was not properly justified.
The club also said carrying an Estelada is a legal form of expression.
Catalan political parties asked the Spanish Interior Ministry to explain what happened and investigate it.
FC Barcelona condemned what it called disproportionate force against supporters outside Elche’s stadium.
Videos circulating online reportedly show National Police officers attempting to confiscate Estelada flags.
The club said two young fans were subjected to kicks, punches and blows with sticks.
Barcelona offered support to a detained supporter and his family.
Junts and Esquerra Republicana called for explanations and an investigation into the police operation.
- Who
- FC Barcelona supporters, National Police officers, FC Barcelona, and Catalan political parties Junts and Esquerra Republicana.
- What
- An incident involving the attempted confiscation of Estelada flags, reported use of force against young fans, and the detention of one supporter.
- When
- Before Barcelona’s LaLiga match against Elche on Sunday; the game was Matchday 2 and Barcelona’s first league match of the season.
- Where
- Outside the Martínez Valero Stadium in Elche, Spain.
- Why
- The police operation reportedly focused on Estelada flags; Barcelona and political parties disputed the legal basis and proportionality of the response.
Critics of the Police Operation
Police Operation
Use of force
Critics of the Police Operation
FC Barcelona described the force used against its members and fans as disproportionate, lacking necessary justification and appropriateness.
Police Operation
The article reports the police actions but does not include a response or justification from the National Police.
Estelada flags
Critics of the Police Operation
Barcelona said the Estelada is a legally endorsed symbol and that displaying it is a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression, not by itself an incitement to hatred or violence.
Police Operation
National Police officers were reportedly attempting to confiscate the flags, but the article does not state the officers’ legal reasoning.
Investigation
Critics of the Police Operation
Junts and Esquerra Republicana requested explanations and called for an investigation into the police operation.
Police Operation
No outcome of an investigation or official response from the Spanish Interior Ministry is provided.
- Match
- Elche vs. Barcelona at the Martínez Valero Stadium
- Result
- Barcelona defeated Elche 5-0
- Flag involved
- The Estelada, associated with the Catalan independence movement
- Detention
- One Barcelona supporter was reportedly detained outside the stadium
- Club response
- Barcelona condemned the alleged disproportionate use of force and offered support to the supporter and his family
- Political response
- Junts and Esquerra Republicana requested explanations from Spain’s Interior Ministry and called for an investigation
- Goalscorers
- Raphinha and Fermín López scored twice each, while Karim Adeyemi also scored