Barcelona Spanish government doesn't want repeat of last year's final

Police will not allow the 'Estelada', the pro-Catalan independence flag, during the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Sevilla.

Those attending the final that is set to be played at Estadio Vicente Calderon in Madrid will not be permitted to bring these flags to the match.

The decision was taken Wednesday morning during a meeting finalising the security measures for the final on May 22.

During the meeting, last year's final was still fresh, when pro-independence flags could be seen in the stadium, something that is not allowed by the Spanish Sports Act.

"Sport in general and football in particular must not be used in political confrontation," said government delegate Maria Concepción Dancausa.

In addition to the Estelada, any xenophobic symbols will also be forbidden from entering the stadium.

There will be a total of 2,500 policemen, security guards, and members from Samur and the Red Cross working the game.

There will be two security rings before entering the pitch itself, and those attending the match will have to display what they are bringing to the ground.