Barcelona has lifted the ban on its main cheering section, which had been suspended following disciplinary incidents during El Clasico. The club announced that fans in the section known as the "grada de animacion" will be able to return to their seats for the Champions League match against Aston Villa.
It was stated that the decision was made following a meeting between the club's security units and representatives of the fan groups. It had been reported that the group of approximately 1,200 people was not allowed into the stadium for the Alaves match due to incidents during the Real Madrid game.
The process had accelerated following a complaint filed by La Liga with the disciplinary committees of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The report noted that various objects, including bottles and lighters, were thrown onto the pitch during El Clasico, and that the atmosphere in the stands raised serious security concerns.
CAMAVINGA ALLEGATION INCLUDED IN THE REPORT
One of the most notable points in the report was the allegation of an attempted physical assault on Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga. It was claimed that during the celebrations following Madrid's second goal, a fan attempted to strike the French footballer with a flagpole.
Additionally, allegations of verbal abuse directed at well-known figures in the football world, such as Jose Mourinho and Marc Cucurella, also came to the club's attention. Barcelona's management had imposed a temporary ban on the fan group due to these incidents, which concerned both the club's reputation and the safety of the players.
It was reported that fan representatives pledged to ensure a more respectful and controlled environment in future matches. Barcelona's decision is seen as a step that takes into account the importance of fan support ahead of the team's critical test in the European arena.
However, the club emphasizes that the lifting of the ban does not mean that oversight will be relaxed. It was stated that the section will be closely monitored during the Aston Villa match and that stadium entry bans could be reinstated if the agreed-upon standards of conduct are not met.
Barcelona must manage the process carefully to avoid facing new sanctions from the RFEF or UEFA. It is noted that if violations are repeated, sanctions such as stadium closures, in addition to fines, could be on the agenda.
News Source: 12punto
