Barcelona have lifted a temporary ban on one of their key supporters’ groups just in time for Tuesday’s Champions League home match against Aston Villa, following constructive talks with the organisers.
The club had restricted the operation of the ‘Gol 1957’ section — known as the “animation” stand — for Saturday’s league game against Alavés. The decision came after a member of the group struck Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga with a flag during the Clásico at the Camp Nou on 25 October.
Barcelona executives met with representatives of the group on Monday and subsequently announced that the stand would reopen. In a statement, the club said the spokespersons had committed the groups to “behave in a civic and respectful fashion in the stands.”
“The club values the positive nature of the commitment undertaken by the supporters’ group, which plays an important role in backing the team during the game,” the statement continued. “The club will monitor closely this commitment. Behaviour that led to the ban have brought repeated financial penalties and expose the Club to the possibility of having to close the stadium.
“FC Barcelona is confident that with everyone’s commitment, this situation will not be repeated to the good of the members, fans and the club itself.”