Sports
Barcelona face threat of Spanish FA closing down the Nou Camp if there are proven reports of anti-Spain chants
BARCELONA face the threat of the Nou Camp being shut down if fans are caught making anti-Spanish chants.
The Catalan giants have been firm supporters of the region’s independence from Spain.
Days before the referendum, Barca made their voice heard as Spain’s Civil Guard were arresting Catalan officials.
The club claimed it was defending “democracy, freedom of speech and self-determination.”
That defiant tone may have reached the fans inside the 99,000-capacity Nou Camp, with reports of chants criticising Spain and supporting independence.
A situation Spanish football chiefs are looking to tackle head on.
“Complaints have been made public. If there are sanctions for chants criticising Spain made in Barcelona, and the committee consider it, the Nou Camp could be closed.
“The issue of independence has passed but what has happened in recent months has affected Barca.
“I know of people who do not like what is happening, even if it is 0.01 per cent.”
In 2014, the club joined the National Pact on the Right to Decide, a platform comprising political parties and civil society organisations in favour of a referendum on independence for Catalonia.
Just a few days after the referendum, Barca defender Gerard Pique faced jeers and whistles from Spain fans at a training session with the national team.
He supported the independence referendum, which Spain claimed was illegal.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been another supporter of the regions right to determine their own future.
The former Barca player and boss voted by post in October’s referendum.