Barcelona won't appeal against UEFA sanctions over Catalan flags

IANS
FC Barcelona has always defended the freedom of expressions for its team members and fans

Barcelona, August 1 FC Barcelona have decided against appealing the fine of 30,000 euros ($33,000) that UEFA imposed after the club failed to keep its fans from flying a Catalan independence flag at the European Champions League final in Berlin on June 6, officials from the Catalan club said.

Sections of Barcelona stands raised the independence flags for the autonomous Spanish region of Catalonia at the Olympiastadion Berlin during the Champions League final against Juventus, which ended in a 3-1 win for Barcelona, Efe reported.

The club's vice president Carles Vilarrubi confirmed to Radio Catalonia on Thursday that the club would appeal the decision, although it seems that the club has opted to pay the fine.

Barcelona club has always defended the freedom of expressions for its team members and fans, while there is a chance that the club will try to communicate with UEFA to reduce the fine.

UEFA opened an investigation last month against Barcelona, according to a report signed by member of UEFA's disciplinary committee team, Ukrainian attorney Anna Bordiugova, who prepared the report based on watching the match on television, while the UEFA's representative at the stadium witnessed no wrongdoings.

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