FC Barcelona star Gavi, who is recovering from a minor injury after playing 45 minutes in a 5-0 win over Elche, has sent a message of support to a child who was hurt by a police officer prior to the start of the game.
A video showed several fans being hit by police using batons outside the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero after pro-Catalan independence flags, known as Esteladas, were confiscated on Sunday.
Yesterday, a photo published by the Penya Barcelonista de Sant Antoni, a Barcelona fan group, appeared
to show the youngster smiling with a bandage on his head.
And today, Gavi left a comment which was simply four emojis: flexed bicep, flexed bicep, blue heart, red heart. The meaning was simple as well – sending strength and love to a fellow culé.
Club President Joan Laporta called the police actions “disproportionate and violent.”
The Catalan club also put out a statement, which read in part: “Barça condemn the disproportionate use of force against supporters during the incidents that took place in the vicinity of the stadium ahead of the league game against Elche.”
“In particular, the club considers that the procedure used to detain one of our fans was disproportionate and that the use of force lacked the necessary justification and appropriateness.
“Barça also regret that, once again, police officers confiscated Estelada flags from fans.
“The Estelada is a legally endorsed symbol and its display constitutes a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression. As such, it cannot in itself be considered an incitement to hatred or violence.”
