Gavi and Barcelona leadership support minor involved in police incident

Barcelona midfielder Gavi has expressed public solidarity with a minor who was allegedly assaulted by Spanish National Police near the Martinez Valero stadium. The incident occurred prior to a match between Elche and Barcelona, after footage circulated showing the young person being detained while carrying an 'estelada', a Catalan independence flag.

Gavi shared his support via the Instagram account of the Sant Antoni Barcelona supporters’ club, using emojis of flexed arms and blue and red hearts to symbolize strength and Catalan colors. He is the first senior player from the Barcelona squad to make a public gesture regarding the matter.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also intervened, contacting the victim’s father to offer the club’s full backing, including potential legal assistance. Laporta criticized the police conduct as disproportionate and announced that the club would stage a celebration of the independence flag during their upcoming match against Athletic Club as a defense of freedom of expression.