According to Spanish daily El Pais, the club has decided to cancel the tribute, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Camp Nou stadium in conjunction with the match against Athletic Bilbao. The decision comes after the violent arrest of a 17-year-old fan carrying the flag, known as an "estelada", by the police at the Elche stadium last weekend. A video shared on social networks showed the arrest and subsequent beating of the young man by the police.
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has condemned the disproportionate and violent intervention of the police, stating that the club will support the victim and their family. The club has also informed the Spanish Football Federation of its decision, which has been understood. The Spanish Interior Ministry has launched an investigation into the incident.
Eight players from the FC Barcelona squad, including Joan García, Eric García, Pedri, Gavi, Pau Cubarsí, Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal, won the World Cup in the United States last July. The four players who were starters in the final against Argentina, Pau Cubarsí, Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal, were among those who won the tournament.