Bartomeu: Fans don't whistle to belittle national symbols, but to protest attitudes towards Catalonia Copa del Rey - Sevilla vs Barcelona Remarkable end to silence on matter

Ahead of the Copa del Rey final, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has made a strong statement regarding the potential jeering of the Spanish national anthem at the game.

It is speculated that Catalan fans travelling to Madrid will take the opportunity to protest against the political crisis in the region and the government's role in it, and Bartomeu believes a lack of respect is being directed towards the north-easterners.

"On Saturday we go to Madrid to compete and to win a title that delights many," stated the 55-year-old at the presentation of the book 'Barça, cultura y deporte'. "I ask fans to enjoy the game and support the team in a peaceful way.

"We have always asked that symbols of identity be respected, just as we like to respect our own.

"I like to think that, when the majority of our fans express themselves by whistling, it isn't to belittle any symbol, but to protest certain attitudes against the people of Catalonia in recent years."

Bartomeu has remained largely silent on the matter until now with this statement placing the emphasis on the national authorities to end the situation in Catalonia, with a number of politicians and figures currently exiled or in prison.

"In Catalonia there is a stagnant political situation, it seems immovable," he continued. "We are without a government, with politicians in jail or exiled abroad.

"A conflict that should be political is being attempted to be solved on the streets.

"On Saturday we have the opportunity to take advantage of the Copa platform to defend what we believe in. We want to take this opportunity to ask for respect for everyone, which is part of the fundamental values we preach.

"We ask those who have the responsibility to resolve this conflict, to respect each other. We ask for respect for our institutions; for freedom of expression; for the right of all peoples to decide; for majorities and minorities; for discrepancy; for the freedom of the people; for the meaning of the word justice, to allow an end to the unusual situation of the detention that they suffer, not only the politicians, but also people like the former president [Sandro] Rosell.

"We ask the political parties, out of respect for Catalonia, to end of this situation. Let no one take advantage of our colors and badge."