Barcelona have once again been sanctioned by UEFA for the use of Estelada* flags by their fans. The club will be fined 40,000 euros for exhibiting the flags during during the home game against Bayer Leverkusen on September 29, the same flags they were sanctioned for for having at the Champions League final against Juventus in Berlin.

Joaquim M. Bertran

Despite the fact it seemed the initial report by UEFA’s delegate at the game, the Welshman David Griffiths, wasn’t unfavourable, UEFA’s disciplinary committee have punished, as was the case in June. On that occasion, the fine was 30,000 euros. Although that fine was decided via television images, not by the Ukrainian delegate who was at the game.

It’s a punishment which Barcelona are not expected to appeal, as they are already in talks with UEFA explaining to the organisation the reason why the Esteladas are present. These are meetings which, for the moment, have not had the expected result.

Remember that during the Barça-Leverkusen game, the home fans booed the Champions League anthem because of the fines and that will surely continue not in the next European game at Camp Nou, which is against BATE Borisov at the beginning of November.

For now, though, Barcelona have not had the official confirmation, but it’s expected vice-president Jordi Mestre will speak about the matter upon his arrival in Minsk, where he is heading Barcelona’s travelling delegation.

*Estelada flags are a slight variation on the Catalan flag and represent the region's bid for independence.