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SportsBarcelona to provide legal defense for minor attacked by police over Estelada flag
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FC Barcelona has offered legal coverage to an underage fan who was assaulted by National Police before the Elche-Barça match. The minor, who tried to enter the stadium with an estelada (pro-independence Catalan flag), was detained, spent the night in a police station, and suffered multiple injuries. He now faces a charge of assault against authority, which could result in probation or community service. Barcelona president Joan Laporta personally called the victim to offer support, and the club hired prominent criminal lawyer Marc Molins for the defense. The club issued a statement condemning the police action, asserting that displaying the estelada is a legal act of free expression. In a related move, Barcelona will allow esteladas at their next home match against Athletic Club as a show of support for freedom of expression.
Source report
The family of the underage member who was assaulted by the National Police ahead of the Elche-Barça match last Sunday has decided to accept the legal cover offered by FC Barcelona. According to ARA, the case will be handled by criminal lawyer Marc Molins.
Details of the Incident
The victim, a minor, spent the night at the police station and suffered multiple injuries and bruises across his body. He now faces a charge of assault against authority, which in his case—given his minor status—could result in several months of probation or community service. However, he has not yet been officially notified by the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office.
Barça's Response
Upon learning of the sequence of events and the primary reason for the attack—an attempt to enter the Martínez Valero stadium carrying an estelada (Catalan independence flag)—Barça moved to support the attacked member. On the same Monday, club president Joan Laporta personally called the victim to convey his full support and offer legal cover, which the family has now accepted.
Also on Monday, the club issued a statement criticizing the police action and emphasizing that displaying an estelada is not illegal. The statement read: “It is a legal symbol and its display constitutes a legitimate manifestation of freedom of expression.”
Upcoming Match
In the match this Thursday, August 27, at the Camp Nou against Athletic Club, Barça will allow access to esteladas promoted by various entities as part of an act of “exaltation” of the symbol and freedom of expression.
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