Barcelona have confirmed that they have been hit with a hefty fine after recent fan behaviour at the Camp Nou.
As confirmed by a statement on the club website, the Catalan giants have received a fine of €150,000—dished out by Uefa’s disciplinary committee—after supporters waved forbidden Estelada flags at the team’s ground during Champions League matches.
The banners are an unofficial flag which are traditionally displayed by Catalan separatists—i.e. those keen to see an independent Catalonia or who wish to show their support for the prospect of Catalonian secession from Spain.
The club received notification of the fine on Friday afternoon, and while Barca appear to be planning to contest the fine—after describing it as unfair and against freedom of expression—it’s worth noting that they could get away with paying just €100,000.
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As per the statement, Luis Enrique’s side would have €50,000 of the fine suspended for two years if the incidents are not repeated over the next two years.