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Spain’s Interior Ministry has launched urgent disciplinary action against police officers accused of violently detaining a young Barcelona supporter outside the Martinez Valero stadium in Elche.
The ministry said the decision followed a preliminary investigation which found that the officers’ conduct appeared to be “unjustified in any way whatsoever”.
The incident, which occurred before Barcelona’s match against Elche on 23 August, has triggered widespread criticism over police treatment of supporters carrying Catalan symbols.
Interior minister orders formal investigation
According to GOAL, Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed the disciplinary proceedings during a parliamentary session on Wednesday in response to a question from Junts deputy Marta Madrenas.
According to the preliminary internal inquiry, the information gathered must now undergo a formal examination to establish whether the officers committed a serious or very serious disciplinary offence.
Marlaska stressed that the alleged conduct could not be justified by the presence of a Catalan flag, describing the symbol involved as entirely legitimate.
The supporter was reportedly stopped near the stadium while carrying an Estelada, a flag associated with Catalan independence, before being violently detained by police.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta condemned the incident, describing the officers’ actions as disproportionate and violent.
The club also issued a statement strongly criticising what it called the “excessive and unjustified use of force” against its supporters.
Barcelona figures rally behind young supporter
The incident quickly generated support within Barcelona, with Laporta and first-team star Gavi among those publicly expressing solidarity with the young fan and his family.