Barcelona report PSG to UEFA for 'violent' Champions League fan display

By Halis Sunnetci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Barcelona reported Paris Saint-Germain to UEFA for a controversial banner displayed by home supporters ahead of a Champions League match, saying the imagery incited violence and hatred in sport.

Before kickoff Tuesday at the Parc des Princes, PSG supporters unveiled a giant tifo depicting a masked figure wearing a PSG shirt attacking Barcelona's crest with a blood-covered chainsaw.

It featured the French words, "Massacre à la parisienne," meaning "Parisian-style massacre," while other banners carrying offensive messages were displayed during the match.

"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," Barcelona said in a statement.

"These images were deeply disturbing and conveyed a message that incites violence and hatred in sport," it added.

Barcelona also condemned banners bearing the offensive message "Puta Barca," saying such imagery and language violated the principles of respect, fair play and sportsmanship.

"We believe that football should be a space for healthy rivalry, mutual respect, and passion for the game, free from messages that promote hatred or violence," according to the statement.

Barcelona lodged a formal complaint with UEFA's match delegate for the tifo and requested the removal of other offensive banners during the match, according to Spanish media.

Under Article 16 of UEFA's disciplinary regulations, clubs can face sanctions for supporters displaying provocative messages deemed inappropriate for sporting events, with a standard fine of €10,000 for a first offense.

PSG won the Champions League Matchday 3 encounter 4-2, handing Barcelona their first defeat in all competitions this season.

Halis Sünnetci