Football
Adriana Garcia 9y

Barcelona, Athletic and RFEF face fines over Copa del Rey final

Barcelona are facing a €66,000 fine as punishment for security breaches and unacceptable behaviour from a section of their fans during May's Copa del Rey final at the Camp Nou.

The anti-violence commission of the country's sports council announced a €60,000 penalty is pending as punishment for the security violations along with a further €6,000 for Barca's failure to stop a group of supporters from turning "a sporting event into a stage for political demands through intolerant acts."

The commission said that, before Barca's 3-1 triumph over Athletic Bilbao on May 30, some fans from both the Catalan and Basque sides "whistled the national anthem and his majesty the king (King Felipe VI, patron of the Copa)."

Athletic and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) -- which organises the Copa del Rey -- also face punishments.

Athletic are facing a fine of €18,000 for failing to take action prior to the game against planned protests organised by a section of their fans.

The RFEF is also set to be fined €123,000 for various infractions regarding security issues, and for failing to cooperate and take action against planned protests ahead of the game.

Barcelona, Athletic and the RFEF have the right to contest the charges before the anti-violence commission makes a final ruling.

Barca confirmed that they will fight the punishment, saying in a statement: "FC Barcelona consider the proposed sanction by the anti-violence commission of €6,000 unjust and unacceptable for an alleged inaction regarding a political demand during the last Copa del Rey final that took place at the Camp Nou.

"FC Barcelona openly and vehemently rejects the decision taken by the anti-violence committee and announces it will start the opportune legal proceedings to annul this proposed sanction.

"FC Barcelona wishes to reiterate that it will defend the freedom of expression of its members and fans and that the events that took place at the Camp Nou were a reflection of sentiment, not organised or channelled by our club, that we totally respect.

"Regarding the proposed fine of €60,000 for an alleged breach of safety regulations, the club will also contest the allegations."

The commission has also proposed fines for several pro-independent Catalan civil groups.

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