Barcelona report PSG to UEFA over controversial banner
Spanish football giants Barcelona have lodged a complaint with UEFA against Paris Saint-Germain following the display of a controversial banner by the French club’s supporters before their UEFA Champions League encounter at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
The banner, displayed behind one of the goals before the match, depicted a masked figure wearing a PSG jersey using a chainsaw to destroy the Barcelona crest.
The image was accompanied by the French phrase “massacre, Parisian style”.
Barcelona condemned the display, describing the imagery as disturbing and accusing the supporters of promoting violence and hatred in football.
In a statement to BBC Sport on Wednesday, the club said, “The club strongly condemns the incidents that took place when the tifo was displayed in the stands, including the images of a blood-covered chainsaw attacking the Barca crest.”
The Spanish side further criticised the message, arguing that it encouraged violence and hatred in the sport and violated the principles of respect, fair play and sportsmanship.
“Football should be a space for healthy rivalry, mutual respect, and passion for the game, free from messages that promote hatred or violence,” Barcelona said.
The club also expressed concern over other banners containing explicit messages displayed during the encounter, adding to its displeasure over the conduct of PSG supporters.
The complaint could prompt UEFA to examine the incident under Article 16 of its disciplinary regulations, which prohibits gestures, words, objects or other forms of expression conveying provocative messages deemed inappropriate at sporting events.
The regulations provide for disciplinary measures, including a €10,000 (£8,381) fine for a first offence.
However, any punishment would depend on UEFA’s assessment of the incident and the relevant disciplinary provisions.
The controversy came as PSG recorded a 4-2 victory over Barcelona in Paris, handing the Spanish club their first defeat of the Champions League campaign after winning their opening two matches.
BBC Sport reported that it had contacted UEFA and PSG for comments on the incident, but no official responses from either organisation were included in its report.
