Barcelona slam ban on Catalan flags

Barcelona have slammed the decision to ban Catalan flags at the Copa del Rey final.

They take on Sevilla at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday, looking to clinch a double, after they won the La Liga title.

Barca were fined by UEFA after last season’s Copa final, after some Catalan flags were spotted.

Confirming the ban this year, Madrid Governor, Concepcion Dancausa, said the final “must not be made a scene of political struggle”.

Barcelona in a statement, said: “FC Barcelona expresses, in the most absolute terms, its total and complete disagreement with the announcement prohibiting the display of Estelada flags at the final of the Copa del Rey, to be played this Sunday night.

“The ban was announced on Wednesday by the Spanish government’s representative in the Community of Madrid.

“FC Barcelona considers the decision to be an attack on the freedom of expression, the fundamental right of each and every individual to express their ideas and opinions freely and without censorship, a right which is recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“FC Barcelona has always defended, and will continue to defend, the freedom of expression of all its members and fans, who have always displayed a high level of civility and respect.

“FC Barcelona calls for the use of common sense and responsibility and demands the government representative’s cooperation in creating the good atmosphere a match such as the Copa del Rey final deserves. FC Barcelona also implores the representative to respect the honour of the institutions involved in this final and to avoid causing any uncomfortable situations.”

#barcelona