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FC Barcelona personifies “Mes Que Un Club” motto by publicly supporting Catalonia in wake of Spanish raids

By Taryn Schofield

BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 13: Barcelona fans hold up Pro-Catalan Independence flags prior to the UEFA Champions League Group C match between FC Barcelona and Celtic FC at Camp Nou on September 13, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 13: Barcelona fans hold up Pro-Catalan Independence flags prior to the UEFA Champions League Group C match between FC Barcelona and Celtic FC at Camp Nou on September 13, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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In the wake of clashes between the Spanish government and Catalan officials, FC Barcelona has publicly expressed its support for Catalan independence.

After the Spanish government raided regional governmental agencies in Catalonia in an effort to halt the independence referendum, the club was prompt in upholding its support for democracy and Catalan independence.

Barcelona Becomes Bigger Than Football

On Sept. 20 the club released a statement on Twitter and on its official website condemning the actions of the Spanish government and outwardly expressing its support for the rights of the Catalan people. FC Barcelona has long been a symbol of Catalan independence, even though complete independence from Spain could have serious implications for the club.

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However, the club motto “Mes Que Un Club” directly reflects Catalan nationalism and the club, and its players have always been outspoken about their support for the people of Catalonia. UEFA has even fined the club for the fans’ display of pro-Catalan independence flags during Champions League ties. The club was quick to respond, again in support of its fans.

Vice President Carles Vilarrubi described the fine as “monstrous” and declared that the club would do whatever it takes to defend the rights of its fans, noting that the Camp Nou is their home and that they are allowed to peacefully express themselves however they please. In the most recent vow of support, Barcelona has stated that

“…FC Barcelona, in remaining faithful to its historic commitment to the defense of the nation, to democracy, to freedom of speech, and to self-determination, condemns any act that may impede the free exercise of these rights. Therefore, FC Barcelona publicly expresses its support for all people, entities, and institutions that work to guarantee these rights.” 

 The club, aware of its power has once again used its platform to bring awareness to and declare support for the Catalan fight for independence. FC Barcelona has truly become “more than a club” for the people of Catalonia, as it has also become a symbol for Catalan independence and success. The Camp Nou is a fortress of Catalan pride and a place of free and peaceful expression for its supporters. In that way, the club has certainly become bigger than football for many people.

Catalan Independence Could Leave Barca in the Dark

Although Barcelona outwardly supports the movement for Catalan independence, achievement of this goal could poise major issues for the club, including an exit from La Liga. Javier Tebas has warned that the country’s sporting laws could leave the league no choice, stating, “They couldn’t play in the league, the law prohibits it,” and continuing on Twitter saying, ” “If Spain breaks apart, the league breaks apart. Let’s hope we don’t arrive at that absurd situation.”

If Catalonia manages to secede, clubs like FC Barcelona, Girona and Espanyol may be without an official league to play in. This could have serious implications for the footballing world, meaning the loss of two El Clasicos a season, and complicating Barcelona’s qualification for The Champions League.

There are exceptions to this issue all over Europe however, specifically Monaco in Ligue 1 and Swansea in the Premier League. With this in mind, Catalonia has dismissed these claims from Madrid, noting that they are in an effort to scare voters before the referendum. The future of Spain, Catalonia, and clubs like FC Barcelona all currently hang in the balance, only time will determine what the end result of all of this speculation will be.

No matter the outcomes or implications of what is happening between Spain and Catalonia, FC Barcelona has at least once again proved its devotion to upholding its “Mes Que Un Club” motto by publicly supporting the Catalan independence movement. Supporters should take pride in the fact that the club is acting on something that is bigger than football and has shown its devotion to the best interest of its fans, freedom of speech and the upholding of democracy.

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Whatever occurs, everyone should take solace in remind themselves of another Barca motto, “Som i Serem,” or “We are and we will be.” After everything is said and done, the club will still be the same club with the same values and the same impact on the footballing world and beyond.