Gavi joins Barcelona’s response to Elche police incident involving Catalan flag

Gavi has publicly shown his support for the minor who was detained by Spain’s National Police near Elche’s Martinez Valero stadium before Sunday’s match against Barcelona.

The Barcelona midfielder used a message shared by the Sant Antoni Barcelona supporters’ account on Instagram to express solidarity with the young person and his family. His response consisted of four emojis: two arms representing strength and support, alongside a blue heart and a red heart.

Although brief, the gesture was viewed as a clear expression of backing for the victim following an incident that has caused widespread anger among Barcelona supporters and within the Catalan club.

Video footage of the arrest circulated after the incident and was described as showing a “disproportionate and violent” operation against the minor. The teenager was reportedly carrying the Estelada, the flag associated with Catalan independence.

Gavi’s intervention came after Barcelona president Joan Laporta contacted the victim’s father directly. Laporta offered the club’s full support and said it would provide legal assistance if the family decided to take court action over the conduct of the police.

The president also condemned the incident publicly, making clear that Barcelona would not remain silent while the circumstances surrounding the arrest continued to draw attention.

Laporta has since announced a symbolic response for Barcelona’s next match against Athletic Club. He said he intended to stage a “celebration of the independence flag” as a demonstration of freedom of expression.

At the same time, Laporta stated that there would be no tribute to the World Cup winners during the fixture, making his opposition to the police action and his position on the incident explicit.

The episode has therefore prompted a response at several levels of the club, beginning with the president’s direct contact with the family and followed by public criticism and a proposed gesture at the next game.

Gavi, one of Barcelona’s leading figures on the pitch, has now added his own message of support. Rather than issuing a lengthy statement, he used the four symbols on social media to communicate strength, affection and solidarity with the minor and the family.

The incident took place before Elche and Barcelona met at the Martinez Valero on Sunday. Its impact has since extended beyond the match itself, with footage of the arrest, the club’s response and Laporta’s proposed action for the Athletic Club game all contributing to the continuing reaction.

Barcelona’s position is that the victim should receive its backing, including legal support if the family chooses to pursue the matter through the courts. Gavi’s message reinforces that stance from within the first-team squad, while Laporta’s planned display is intended to underline the club’s support for freedom of expression.