Barcelona Cancel Camp Nou Tribute After Fans Reported Assaulted at Elche
Barcelona have cancelled Thursday’s planned Camp Nou tribute to the club’s eight Spain World Cup winners following the reported assault of travelling supporters and the seizure of Estelada flags before the 5-0 win at Elche.
Matchday briefing
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Cancelled event | World Cup winners’ presentation | Planned before Athletic Club visit |
| Barcelona players honoured | Eight | Part of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad |
| Trigger for decision | Elche away incident | Fans allegedly assaulted and flags confiscated |
President Joan Laporta confirmed on Wednesday that the ceremony would not go ahead, saying the atmosphere around the fixture was not suitable for a celebration. The Royal Spanish Football Federation accepts Barcelona’s decision.
The club had intended to recognise the players who helped Spain win the World Cup in New Jersey last month. Several other La Liga sides have already staged home-game tributes for their victorious Spain internationals.
Barcelona’s change of plan follows events surrounding Sunday’s league match at Elche. Travelling Barca fans were reportedly beaten by national police officers after displaying pro-independence Estelada banners, with the flags also taken away.
Laporta backed supporters’ right to carry the symbol, describing it as an expression shared by many Barcelona followers and Catalans. He said football should bring people together rather than fuel confrontation.
The Barcelona president also called the police response disproportionate and demanded punishment and sanctions if the reported facts are established. He said supporters should be able to display the flag without fearing injury or being stigmatised by state security forces.
Barcelona now host Athletic Club on Thursday night with no pre-match World Cup presentation. On the field, they will attempt to carry forward the momentum from their emphatic five-goal victory at Elche.
